John’s twist on call for a quick drink

A TASMANIAN with expertise in industrial chemistry says he has devised a way to create the equivalent of a 10-year-old whisky in just 10 weeks.

And John Hyslop’s bright idea has won him a $5000 prize after he was runner-up at the Australia Post regional PitchFest final in NSW.

Mr Hyslop took home the prize for his business idea to create Deviant Distillery, which he pitched to a live audience and judging panel.

The idea of Deviant Distillery is to use technology to make a product it says is identical in flavour to 10-yearold whisky in just 10 weeks.

Mr Hyslop will use the same four ingredients as traditional distilling – barley, water, yeast and oak.

However, the technique he pitched uses technology to speed up the barrel-ageing process.

Mr Hyslop has a passion for science, the environment and making things smarter, faster and more efficient.

He said the technology allowed him to create an identical product in a shorter time.

“The end product will be of high quality, handcrafted and affordable for those who otherwise can’t afford highend whiskies,” he said.

Mr Hyslop has previously worked in industrial chemistry but after seven years decided it was time for a change and began working at a Tasmanian distillery.

He learned how whisky was made, which sparked the idea to create his own distillery.

Mr Hyslop said the PitchFest award was a step in the right direction. He hopes to have Deviant Distillery running early next year.