Gilpin Family Whiskey: From bedpan to decanter


It takes a special person to walk into a nursing home and think, “Do I smell a moneymaking opportunity here?” or an “art project” as inventor James Gilpin characterizes his most unique single malt whiskey.
Thanks to the participation of Gilpin’s grandmother, Gilpin Family Whiskey has redefined the nature of family business. The whiskey—which is to be unveiled at the 100% Materials event in London this month—is fermented using the urine of elderly diabetics. When interviewed, the biomedical technology researcher and designer wondered if it is “…plausible to suggest that we start utilizing our water purification systems in order to harvest the biological resources that our elderly already process in abundance.” Well, who isn’t interested in recycling?
Before one assumes this could be a great substitute for the younger generation making Social Security contributions, though, it’s key to note that the high-end liquor is not currently available for mass distribution.
Full story at Wired UK.