One for the road: Scottish scientists make biofuel from whisky byproducts

Drink, then drive? Whisky fuel could power cars

LONDON — How about a whisky to go? Scientists said they have developed biofuel for cars from waste produced in distilling Scotch whisky. Researchers at Edinburgh Napier University produced a type of fuel called butanol using “pot ale” — the liquid residue from copper stills — and “draff,” or leftover grain.

They said it can be used in ordinary cars without adapting the engines. And unlike some biofuels, it is made from waste products and does not require a crop to be grown.

The researchers said they have filed a patent application for the fuel, and plan to set up a company to get it into British gas stations.