Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits and Hiram Walker & Sons have announced the exchange of a curated yeast culture collection, marking a new milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two companies in whisky fermentation research and innovation.
The exchange will be highlighted at the upcoming Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference (WDSC), where three yeast strains central to Hiram Walker’s distilling heritage will be officially named and presented during a joint scientific session.
For more than a century, both organizations have shared a commitment to craftsmanship, scientific research, and innovation in the distilled spirits industry. This culture collection exchange represents the next chapter of that partnership, bringing together Lallemand’s global leadership in yeast and fermentation with Hiram Walker’s deep heritage in whisky production.
At the center of the exchange are three yeast strains that have helped shape the character of Hiram Walker whiskies. In addition to these strains, Lallemand will steward a broader yeast culture collection transferred from Hiram Walker. The collection will be revived, preserved, and maintained within Lallemand’s facilities, supporting long-term scientific integrity and creating new opportunities for research and innovation.
The preserved strains will support Hiram Walker’s ongoing development of distinctive fermentation profiles while enabling joint research exploring new possibilities in flavour development, process efficiency, and product differentiation.
“Hiram Walker and Lallemand have now worked together for decades, and this exchange underscores the trust and collaborative spirit that define our relationship,” said Justin Van Rooyen, LBDS President. “Yeast is the foundation of flavour in whisky, and we are proud to help support Hiram Walker in stewarding and advancing this part of their legacy.”
“Canadian whisky has always been defined by its creativity and precision, and fermentation is where that story begins. These historical yeast strains have helped shape the signature character of our whiskies over generations. By preserving and studying them with Lallemand, we’re protecting an important piece of Canadian whisky heritage while expanding the possibilities for the next wave of innovation,” said Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at the Hiram Walker & Sons.
This exchange strengthens our partnership with Lallemand and Hiram Walker, combining heritage and scientific expertise to unlock new possibilities for Canadian whisky.