Whisky producer Diageo has given backing to Nickerson variety Troon for malting and distilling ahead of this season’s spring barley planting campaign.

Good processing and alcohol yield characteristics have prompted the drinks maker to give the variety the thumbs up as a replacement for distilling stalwart Decanter.

“We doubled our intake of Troon last year and this harvest we are looking to take in more again,” said Diageo’s process support specialist, Vic Cameron. “Last year it malted evenly and was easy to process in both malting and distilling, which is very important for us.”

Troon is streets ahead of Decanter – also from Nickerson – in terms of yield and processability, Mr Cameron added, although the older variety was still required for some specific grain distilling needs.

“Troon is a lovely bold grain with lower screenings which means less waste in the maltings.” 

The majority of Troon is sourced from growers in north eastern Scotland. Last year nitrogen levels were also very good, he confirmed.

Troon was added to the HGCA Recommended List in 2003.