The Rise Of Award-Winning English Whisky
In recent years, English whisky has been making waves in the spirits industry, with a number of distilleries producing award-winning expressions that rival their Scottish counterparts. From traditional distilleries with centuries-old histories to newer players pushing the boundaries of what English whisky can be, the landscape of English whisky is as diverse and exciting as ever.
One distillery that has been at the forefront of this movement is The English Whisky Co. Located in Norfolk, this family-owned distillery was the first to produce English whisky in over a century when it released its first expression in 2009. Since then, their whiskies have garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying their reputation as one of the premier producers of English whisky.
One of their flagship expressions, the English Whisky Co. Original, has consistently impressed judges at international spirits competitions. This single malt is aged in a combination of American oak and ex-sherry casks, resulting in a smooth and well-rounded whisky with notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and oak spice. It has won gold medals at competitions such as the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the World Whiskies Awards, reaffirming its status as a top-quality English whisky.
Another distillery that has been making a name for itself in the English whisky scene is The Lakes Distillery. Located in the picturesque Lake District National Park, this boutique distillery has been producing exceptional whiskies since 2014. Their whiskies are known for their complex flavor profiles and unique maturation processes, including finishes in sherry casks and port pipes.
One of their most celebrated expressions is The Lakes Distillery Quatrefoil Collection Spring 2021 Release. This limited edition whisky was created in collaboration with renowned artist Christopher P. Wood, who designed the intricate quatrefoil pattern adorning the bottle. The whisky itself is a marriage of sherry cask-matured spirits, resulting in a rich and decadent dram with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and baking spices. It has received high praise from critics and consumers alike, winning awards at prestigious competitions such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Spirits Business Awards.
While traditional Scottish whisky regions like Speyside and Islay have long been synonymous with quality whisky production, English distilleries are quickly proving that they can hold their own in the world of whisky. The Cotswolds Distillery is a prime example of this, with their range of award-winning whiskies showcasing the best of what English whisky has to offer.
Their Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has been a standout success, with its distinctive flavor profile and exceptional craftsmanship earning it rave reviews from whisky enthusiasts around the world. This whisky is made using locally-sourced barley and water from the Cotswolds region, giving it a unique terroir-driven character that sets it apart from its Scottish counterparts. Its complex notes of honey, citrus, and oak make it a versatile and enjoyable dram for any occasion.
In addition to producing exceptional single malts, English distilleries are also experimenting with innovative styles and techniques to push the boundaries of what whisky can be. The New Whisky Company is a prime example of this, with their groundbreaking rye whiskies challenging the traditional notion of what constitutes a “typical” English whisky.
Their Rye English Whisky has garnered attention for its bold and spicy flavor profile, which is a departure from the more mellow and honeyed notes typically associated with English whisky. Made using a high proportion of rye grain and aged in new oak barrels, this whisky showcases the versatility and creativity of English distillers in crafting unique and distinctive spirits. Its robust flavors of black pepper, caramel, and baking spices have earned it a loyal following among whisky connoisseurs looking for something different and exciting in their glass.
As the popularity of English whisky continues to grow, it’s clear that the future is bright for this burgeoning spirits category. With distilleries like The English Whisky Co., The Lakes Distillery, and Cotswolds Distillery leading the way with their award-winning expressions, English whisky is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the global whisky market. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer looking to explore new flavors and experiences, there has never been a better time to discover the world of award-winning English whisky. So raise a glass and toast to the exciting future of English whisky – cheers to the award winning english whisky!