Isabella de Oliveira Cenci

Project title: Expanding the utility of Irish grains, bringing added value potential to the Irish tillage sector

Overview: Isabella developed a passion for brewing and malting during her Bachelor's and Master's in Chemistry at the University of Brasília (UnB). Her master’s research focused on analytical chemistry applications in malting, which can help breeders optimize barley varieties for Brazil’s Savanna climate. The research explored the impact of high beta-glucan and protein-rich genotypes on malting performance.
Seeking new challenges, she embarked on a PhD at South East Technological University (SETU) to further her expertise in brewing and distilling. Her project focuses on optimizing the Irish Pot Still Whiskey category by incorporating native grains, boosting demand for diverse Irish crops, and supporting local tillage farmers.
A key aspect of her work involves proposed amendments to the Irish Pot Still technical file, which could redefine raw material ratios, fostering innovation while respecting tradition. These changes would expand the category to better align with historic mash bills while enhancing flavour diversity, and offering a unique selling point for Irish Pot Still Whiskey.

Programme area: Crops, Environment and Land-Use Programme

Supervisors: Ewen Mullins, Lisa Ryan, Sinead Morris and David Ryan

Location: Teagasc Oakpark

Funding Source: Teagasc