Swedish distiller Mackmyra has announced that the world’s first AI-created whisky is now available to pre-order. 
The aptly-named AI Whisky was created with a recipe generated using machine learning models, powered by Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and Azure cognitive services. The model, which was fed with Mackmyra’s existing recipes (including those for award-winning blends), sales data, and customer preferences, also received input from Mackmyra’s Master Blender Angela D’Orazio. The end result? A perfect blend of human ingenuity and technology.
This marks the first time that AI has been used to augment and automate the most time-consuming process of whisky creation – namely, the selection of different ingredients, combined with particular casks which lend their own unique flavours and character to each blend. According to D’Orazio: “It’s much more complex than models used to create beer, due to the sheer number of combinations available, and the fact that whisky recipe generation is more art than engineering.”
In an industry steeped in deep-rooted tradition, human expertise and craftsmanship, this first batch of AI Whisky marks an innovative milestone. Check out our in-depth feature which explores the AI Whisky creation process in more detail, and head on over to Mackmyra if you fancy getting your hands on a piece of whisky history.
AI Whisky tasting notes
Colour: Golden yellow
Nose: Toffee & cream vanilla, fine oloroso tones and fruit with citrus, pear & apples. Herbal notes of aniseed, ginger and white pepper and a light tone of toasted oak casks.
Mouth: Vanilla with fine oak notes, fruits with citrus & pear, herbal spices with slight tobacco leaves and a very small hint of smoke
Summary: Fruity and oaky, slightly salty and with a dryish end.
