Gin Distillery Uses Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency

A gin distillery in Scotland is using blockchain to provide high-level transparency into the amount and quality of water used in its distilling process.

The system was developed by CENSIS, Scotland’s innovation center for sensing, imaging and IoT and Aberdeen-based app developer TrackGenesis, in a project the companies said is one of the first to directly combine sensor data and blockchain.

Roehill Springs distillery is located in Moray, Roehill Springs in Scotland, and the company said it is using blockchain to act as a “digital ledger,” storing data on the ingredients used to create the gin to create more sustainable and transparent business operations.

Flow meters have been installed at the spring on the distillery, with data collected on the amount and quality of water flowing. This data is sent to an app on a user’s smartphone or tablet, before being transferred to a private blockchain, where it can then be accessed by customers using a QR code. 

“The system means there is complete accuracy and transparency,” the companies said in a statement. “It also enhances the authenticity of the data – the blockchain is tamper-proof and immutable – removes the time, errors and cost of manual data entry, and helps the distillery track and reduce its water usage.”

“The system we have developed is one of the first to take data from sensors and put it directly into a blockchain,” said Ally Longmuir, CENSIS’ business development manager. “It also provides state-of-the-art security and traceability, meaning you can have complete confidence in the data being captured … removing the need for manual processes and opening up the opportunity to reduce water use.”

Roehill Springs said it is now looking at other ways blockchain could be used to improve sustainability and transparency in its operations, including for energy monitoring.

The project is part of the CENSIS IoT Evolve program, funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support the development of IoT technologies by companies across the north of Scotland.