In recent years, the whisky world has seen a significant shift in attention towards English whisky. Once overshadowed by its Scottish and Irish counterparts, English whisky is now gaining recognition for its quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavors. From single malts to blended whiskies, English distilleries are stepping up their game and producing some of the best whiskies in the world. In this article, we will explore the best english whisky brands that are making waves in the industry.
One of the most renowned English whisky producers is The Lakes Distillery, located in Cumbria. Established in 2011, The Lakes Distillery has quickly earned a reputation for its innovative approach to whisky-making. The distillery’s flagship expression, The Lakes Single Malt Whisky, has been well-received by critics and whisky enthusiasts alike. Made with locally sourced barley and pristine water from the Lake District, this single malt showcases a perfect balance of fruity and spicy notes, with a smooth and velvety finish. The Lakes Distillery also offers a range of limited edition releases, each showcasing different cask finishes and unique flavor profiles.
Another standout English whisky brand is The Cotswolds Distillery, located in the picturesque Cotswolds region. Founded in 2014, The Cotswolds Distillery has quickly made a name for itself with its award-winning whiskies. The Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is one of the distillery’s flagship expressions, known for its rich and complex flavor profile. Made with 100% floor-malted barley and aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and red wine casks, this single malt offers notes of honey, citrus, and spice, with a long and satisfying finish. The Cotswolds Distillery also offers a variety of limited edition releases, including cask strength bottlings and experimental finishes that showcase the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
One of the oldest English whisky distilleries is St. George’s Distillery, home to The English Whisky Co. Founded in 2006, St. George’s Distillery was the first English distillery to produce whisky in over a century. The distillery’s core range includes The English Original, a classic single malt with a light and approachable flavor profile, and The English Smokey, a peated expression with a bold and robust character. St. George’s Distillery is known for its traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail, with each batch of whisky being handmade and matured in a variety of cask types to develop unique flavors and aromas.
Moving on to East London Liquor Company, a distillery that has been making waves in the English whisky scene since its founding in 2014. Located in the heart of London’s East End, East London Liquor Company is known for its innovative and experimental approach to whisky-making. The distillery’s London Rye Whisky is a standout expression, made with 100% rye malt and aged in ex-Bourbon casks for a minimum of three years. This bold and spicy whisky offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and black pepper, with a smooth and lingering finish. East London Liquor Company also produces a range of unique blends and limited edition releases that showcase the distillery’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Last but not least, we have Bimber Distillery, a relatively new player in the English whisky scene that has been making waves with its high-quality releases. Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery is located in London and prides itself on using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients to produce its whiskies. The distillery’s flagship expression, Bimber Single Malt Whisky, is a rich and complex dram with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spice, aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and sherry casks. Bimber Distillery also offers a range of single cask releases and limited edition bottlings that showcase the distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
In conclusion, the English whisky scene is booming with a diverse range of distilleries and expressions that are garnering international acclaim. From traditional single malts to experimental blends, English whisky producers are pushing boundaries and raising the bar for quality and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of spirits, exploring the best english whisky brands is sure to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.