New Make

New Make – The Complete Guide

TL;DR: In Short

• New Make is characterized by its raw, unaged character directly from the still
• Primarily produced from grains, fruits, or sugar cane and defined by distillation without maturation
• Found in several styles, including grain-based, malt-based, and fruit-based varieties
• Best enjoyed neat in small quantities to appreciate its pure character or used in crafting specially designed cocktails

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes for adults over 18 years of age. Vault of Spirits encourages responsible alcohol consumption.

Introduction to New Make

New Make has a fascinating place in the world of spirits as the pure, unaged distillate that forms the foundation of many beloved aged spirits.

From its origins as a necessary first step in whisky production to its modern appreciation as a spirit category in its own right, New Make offers a unique window into the raw character of distilled spirits before wood influence takes hold.

This guide provides insight into the production, flavor profiles, and enjoyment of New Make, whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned spirits enthusiast looking to understand the foundations of aged spirits.

How Did New Make Originate?

From Past to Present

New Make has existed since the earliest days of distillation, though it wasn’t always recognized as a distinct category.

Historically, it was simply the necessary first step in producing aged spirits like whisky, brandy, and rum.

The term “New Make” itself comes from whisky production, where the clear spirit straight from the still—before any aging takes place—was known as “new make spirit.”

For centuries, this unaged spirit was primarily seen as an incomplete product, with aging considered essential to tame its raw character.

Which Historical Milestones Have Shaped New Make?

The history of New Make is intertwined with the history of distillation itself.

Early distillers in the Middle Ages were producing what was essentially New Make, though aging in wooden containers eventually became standard practice.

In Scotland, the term “new make” became formalized in whisky production regulations.

A significant milestone came in the early 21st century when craft distilleries began to recognize the unique qualities of unaged spirits and started bottling and selling New Make as a product in its own right.

How Has New Make Influenced Cultural Traditions?

In many distilling cultures, New Make has played a role in local traditions.

In rural Scotland, workers at distilleries would often get a dram of “clearic” (new make) as part of their payment.

In Caribbean rum-producing regions, the unaged distillate was sometimes consumed locally before aging became the norm.

In Eastern European countries, various forms of unaged fruit spirits (essentially New Make) remain important cultural products to this day.

Why Is New Make Popular Today?

New Make has seen a renaissance in recent years for several reasons.

The craft distilling movement has embraced transparency in production, showcasing the quality of their base spirit before aging.

Consumers have developed more sophisticated palates and greater interest in understanding how their favorite aged spirits begin life.

New Make also provides immediate revenue for startup distilleries while their aged products mature, contributing to its increased market presence.

How Is New Make Produced?

Which Raw Materials Are Used in Production?

New Make can be produced from virtually any fermentable material, with the choice of raw ingredient significantly impacting the final flavor profile.

Primary ingredients:

• Malted Barley – Creates a cereal-forward New Make with notes of bread and nuts, forming the basis for most scotch whisky
• Mixed Grains – Corn, wheat, and rye contribute different flavor profiles ranging from sweet to spicy
• Fruits – Grapes, apples, pears, and various stone fruits create fruitier New Make spirits that would eventually become brandy if aged
• Sugar Cane – Produces vibrant, grassy, and sweet New Make that would become rum through aging

How Does the Fermentation Process Work?

Fermentation is the critical first step in creating New Make spirits.

The process begins by converting starches in grains to fermentable sugars (if using grain), while fruit and sugar-based mashes already contain fermentable sugars.

Yeast is added to consume these sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, along with various flavor compounds called congeners.

The type of yeast, fermentation temperature, and duration all significantly impact the flavor profile of the resulting New Make.

Longer, cooler fermentations typically produce more complex flavor compounds but take more time.

Which Distillation Techniques Are Used?

The distillation process defines the character of New Make by separating alcohol from water and selecting which flavor compounds to include or exclude.

Common distillation methods:

• Pot Still Distillation – Traditional method that retains more congeners, resulting in fuller-bodied, more characterful New Make with rich flavor profiles
• Column Still Distillation – Creates cleaner, lighter New Make by allowing for higher proof distillation and more precise separation of components
• Hybrid Distillation – Combines elements of both methods, using a pot still base with added refinement components for balanced character

What Significance Does Maturation Have?

By definition, New Make is unaged, which means it hasn’t undergone maturation in wooden casks.

The absence of maturation is precisely what defines New Make and allows its raw character to shine through.

While many spirits improve with aging, New Make offers a unique opportunity to taste the pure expression of the distiller’s craft before wood influence takes hold.

Some producers do rest New Make briefly in neutral containers to allow the spirit to settle, but true New Make is bottled without significant contact with wood.

Which Regions Are Known for New Make?

Where Are the Best Varieties Produced?

New Make is produced in virtually every region where distilled spirits are made, though certain areas have developed distinctive styles:

Scotland produces some of the most renowned malt-based New Make, particularly in regions like Speyside and Islay, where the unaged spirit already shows signature regional characteristics.

American craft distilleries across Kentucky, Tennessee, and other states have embraced New Make as both a product itself and a showcase for their whiskey-making expertise.

Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, and Romania have longstanding traditions of unaged fruit-based spirits that essentially function as regional New Make variations.

How Do Geography and Climate Affect the Flavor?

Geography and climate impact New Make production in several ways.

Water source is critical – the mineral content and purity of water used in fermentation and proofing directly affects flavor.

Climate influences fermentation temperatures in traditional distilleries without temperature control, affecting the development of flavor compounds.

Local agricultural products determine the base ingredients available, creating regional signatures in the resulting New Make.

What New Trends Are Seen in New Make Production?

The craft distilling movement has fueled innovation in New Make production.

Transparency in production has become a major trend, with distillers showcasing their unaged spirit as evidence of their distilling expertise.

Experimentation with heirloom and rare grain varieties is creating distinctive New Make expressions.

Some producers are creating special “white whiskey” or “eau de vie” bottlings from their New Make, designed specifically for consumption without aging.

What Do the Different Quality Designations Mean?

New Make has fewer formal quality designations than aged spirits, but several distinctions exist:

“New Make Spirit” typically refers to the distillate destined to become whisky.

“White Dog” is an American term for unaged whiskey straight from the still.

“Eau de Vie” indicates unaged fruit spirits, particularly in European traditions.

Craft distilleries may use terms like “Unaged Whiskey,” “Raw Spirit,” or “White Whiskey” to market their New Make products.

How Does New Make Taste?

What Characterizes the Typical Flavor Profile?

New Make is characterized by its raw, vibrant, and often intense flavor profile that directly reflects its ingredients and production methods.

Without the mellowing influence of wood aging, New Make presents its flavors in a direct, unmodified form.

Typical aromas:

• Cereal Notes – Fresh bread, malt, porridge, raw grains (in grain-based New Make)
• Fruit Elements – Green apple, pear, grass, citrus zest (especially in malt or fruit-based New Make)
• Technical Notes – Solvent-like qualities, ethanol, rubber, yeast (more prominent without aging to soften them)

How Does the Flavor Vary Between Different Styles?

The variation between New Make styles is dramatic and directly tied to base ingredients and production methods.

Malt-based New Make (foundation for single malt whisky) offers cereal sweetness, often with grassy and nutty characteristics.

Corn-based New Make (basis for bourbon) provides a sweeter profile with distinct corn notes.

Rye-based New Make is typically spicier with a distinct pepperiness.

Fruit-based New Make captures the essence of the source fruit in concentrated form.

How Does the Flavor Develop with Age?

New Make, by definition, doesn’t age, but understanding how its flavor would transform with aging provides insight into its character.

The raw, sharp edges that characterize New Make are gradually softened by wood contact.

Volatile compounds that create “off-notes” in New Make either evaporate or transform during aging.

The bright, vibrant fruit and grain notes in New Make become more subdued and integrated with wood-derived flavors during maturation.

What Signs Reveal High Quality?

High-quality New Make exhibits several key characteristics:

Clean, focused flavor without overwhelming harshness or off-notes indicates careful distillation.

Clear correspondence between raw materials and flavor profile suggests skillful production.

Complexity and depth despite the lack of aging is a sign of expert fermentation and distillation.

Balance between alcohol intensity and flavor compounds demonstrates masterful cuts during the distillation process.

How Is New Make Best Enjoyed?

What Is the Optimal Serving Method?

New Make is best approached with respect for its intensity and unique character.

Serving neat in very small quantities (10-15ml) allows appreciation of its raw character.

Slightly chilled service can help tame some of the more volatile components.

For those new to New Make, diluting with a few drops of water can open up flavors and reduce alcohol impact.

Which Glass and Temperature Are Ideal?

A small tulip-shaped glass, similar to those used for whisky tasting, works well to concentrate aromas.

Serving at a slightly cool temperature (around 15°C/59°F) helps balance volatility while keeping flavors accessible.

Clear glassware allows appreciation of the spirit’s transparency and purity.

Pre-chilling the glass slightly can help tame some of the spirit’s rawness.

How Do You Taste Like an Expert?

Tasting New Make requires a different approach than aged spirits:

Start with visual assessment – quality New Make should be perfectly clear and bright.

Approach nosing cautiously, keeping the glass further from your nose than you would with aged spirits.

Take very small sips, allowing the spirit to spread across your palate.

Look for the core character of the base ingredient and production method rather than comparing to aged counterparts.

Which Dishes Complement New Make?

The intense character of New Make pairs best with simple, flavorful foods:

Raw seafood like oysters or sashimi can complement the raw character of the spirit.

Strong cheeses, particularly aged hard cheeses, can stand up to New Make’s intensity.

Simple bread or crackers help cleanse the palate between sips.

Smoked foods can create interesting contrasts with the spirit’s vibrant character.

Which Cocktails Can Be Made with New Make?

Which Classic Cocktails Should You Know?

While New Make isn’t traditionally used in many classic cocktails, modern bartenders have adapted several:

New Make Sour

• Ingredients: 50ml New Make, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml simple syrup, egg white (optional)
• Preparation: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain and serve in a rocks glass
• History: An adaptation of the classic whiskey sour, showcasing the raw character of the spirit

Which Modern Cocktails Are Worth Trying?

Innovative bartenders have created several modern cocktails specifically for New Make:

“The Transparency” pairs New Make with clear fruit eaux-de-vie, fresh lime, and a touch of honey for a completely transparent yet flavorful cocktail.

“Raw Manhattan” uses New Make, clear vermouth, and aromatic bitters for a colorless version of the classic.

“Distiller’s Breakfast” combines New Make with cold brew coffee and maple syrup for a reverent nod to the distiller’s craft.

How Is New Make Enjoyed Neat?

New Make is increasingly appreciated neat by spirits enthusiasts:

Served in very small portions (10-15ml) to appreciate its character without overwhelming the palate.

Sometimes enjoyed with a water back to cleanse the palate between sips.

Comparing New Make to its aged counterparts from the same distillery offers an educational tasting experience.

Which Homemade Varieties Can You Experiment With?

While home distillation is illegal in many jurisdictions, there are legal ways to experiment with New Make:

Infusions with herbs, spices, or fruits can transform commercial New Make into unique creations.

Creating your own blends by mixing New Make from different distilleries can yield interesting results.

Aging experiments using small oak staves or chips (where legal) can demonstrate transformation over time.

What Should You Know Before Buying New Make?

Which Details Should You Pay Attention to When Buying?

When purchasing New Make, several factors are worth considering:

Base ingredient – look for clear information about whether it’s made from malted barley, other grains, or fruit.

Distillery reputation – established whisky or brandy producers often create excellent New Make.

Distillation method – pot still New Make generally offers more character than column still varieties.

Bottling proof – higher proof (50% ABV and above) often preserves more character but requires careful dilution.

What Do You Get for Your Money in Different Price Classes?

New Make spans several price points, each offering different experiences:

Entry-level ($20-30): Basic New Make that may lack complexity but shows fundamental character.

Mid-range ($30-50): Craft distillery offerings with distinctive character and production stories.

Premium ($50+): Special releases from established distilleries, often featuring rare grains or special production techniques.

How Is New Make Properly Stored?

Unlike aged spirits, New Make requires specific storage considerations:

Store upright, away from direct sunlight in a cool place.

Once opened, try to consume within 6-12 months as the spirit can gradually oxidize.

Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and oxidation.

Unlike aged spirits, New Make doesn’t continue to develop in the bottle, so long-term storage offers no benefits.

Is New Make a Good Investment?

New Make is generally not considered an investment-grade spirit:

Unlike aged whiskies or cognacs, New Make doesn’t typically appreciate in value over time.

Some limited edition releases from famous distilleries may hold collector value.

New Make from distilleries that later became famous or closed down might gain historical significance.

The real value of New Make lies in its educational benefits and pure expression of distillery character.

Which Brands Do We Recommend?

What Is Best for Beginners?

For those new to New Make, these approachable options offer a gentle introduction:

Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 – A corn-based New Make with sweet, approachable character.

Glenglassaugh Spirit Drink – A Highland malt New Make with surprising complexity.

Kings County Distillery Moonshine – A balanced corn New Make with a smooth character.

What Will Impress Enthusiasts?

Experienced spirits lovers will appreciate these complex New Makes:

Redbreast New Make – A rare chance to taste the raw spirit that becomes this beloved Irish whiskey.

Springbank New Spirit – An exceptional malt-based New Make with the distillery’s distinctive character.

Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme – A stunning apple-based New Make showing incredible fruit purity.

Which Bottles Are Most Sought After?

Collectors seek these rare New Make expressions:

Ardbeg New Spirit “Kildalton Project” – Limited edition releases of peated New Make from this iconic Islay distillery.

Macallan New Make – Rarely released officially, but occasionally available as special distillery-only bottlings.

Pappy Van Winkle White Dog – Extremely limited releases of the unaged spirit that becomes the legendary bourbon.

Where Do You Get the Most for Your Money?

These options offer exceptional value:

High Wire Distilling New Southern Revival New Make Bourbon – Excellent quality showcasing heritage grains at a reasonable price.

Copperworks New Make Whiskey – Award-winning New Make for brewing-focused distillery at mid-range pricing.

Kilchoman New Spirit – Affordable way to experience this craft distillery’s peated character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is New Make?

New Make is the clear, unaged spirit that comes directly from the still before any wood maturation.

It’s the raw base spirit that would typically be aged in wooden barrels to become whisky, brandy, or rum.

While traditionally considered an intermediate product, New Make is increasingly bottled and sold as a spirit category in its own right.

How Is New Make Produced?

New Make production follows the initial steps of making aged spirits: raw ingredients (grains, fruit, sugar) are fermented to create a low-alcohol liquid, which is then distilled to concentrate the alcohol and flavor compounds.

Unlike aged spirits, New Make is bottled directly after distillation, sometimes after a brief resting period but without wood contact.

The production process focuses on creating a clean, flavorful base that captures the essence of the raw materials.

What Characterizes New Make?

New Make is characterized by its clear appearance, vibrant raw flavor profile, and direct expression of its base ingredients.

Without the mellowing influence of wood aging, New Make presents a more intense, sometimes sharp character with pronounced grain, fruit, or vegetal notes depending on the source material.

The spirit offers transparency in both appearance and flavor, providing insight into a distillery’s production methods and raw materials.

Where Can You Buy New Make?

New Make is increasingly available at specialized liquor stores, particularly those focusing on craft spirits.

Many craft distilleries sell New Make directly from their tasting rooms or online stores where shipping laws permit.

Online retailers specializing in spirits often carry a selection of New Make from various producers.

Some major distilleries offer limited releases of their New Make through special programs or distillery-exclusive bottlings.