What is English Whisky? Learn about what makes English Whisky different

English Whisky on the rise

English whisky has been making waves in the whisky world in recent years, winning numerous awards and accolades. There are now over 55 distilleries in England currently producing whisky, with about half having bottles already available on UK shelves.

6 new distilleries released their first whisky in 2023. The English Whisky Guild forecasts that there will be over 50,000 maturing casks by the end of 2024 with a value of over £1 billion.

What is English Whisky?
How does English Whisky differ?

Filey Bay Flagship English Whisky - Digital Distiller

What is English Whisky?

At present, there is no official definition of English Whisky, but the creation of a statutory definition is under discussion - The English Whisky Guild has applied for a Geographical Indication in order to establish a legal definition.

In 2022, The British Standards Institute published it’s first guidelines on how English whisky should be produced and packaged.

must be produced in England
aged for at least three years in wood
caramel in colour
must not be sweetened or have additives
Alcoholic strength should be at least 40%

In Scotland, there are a multitude of rules, regulations and restrictions defining what is allowed. When it comes to categories (Single Grain, Single Malt etc), there are no rules yet laid down for England and Wales.

English whisky producers are able to create a wide range of unique and flavoursome whiskies that are not possible to produce in Scotland. This diversity is one of the things that makes English whisky so exciting and interesting.

How does English Whisky differ?

English whisky producers are free from a number of restrictions that exist for Scottish distilleries.

Freedom to use any type of cask
Scottish whisky must be aged for at least three years in oak casks which have previously been used to mature sherry, bourbon, or other spirits. English whisky producers, on the other hand, can use any type of cask they choose, including virgin oak, wine casks, even beer casks. Distillers can also choose other woods than oak, such as maple, chestnut or cherry.
Freedom to use any type of grain
Scottish whisky must be made from at least 51% malted barley. English whisky producers can use any type of grain they choose, including unmalted barley, wheat, corn, and rye.
Freedom to add other flavourings
Scottish whisky cannot contain any added flavourings, other than water and caramel colouring. English whisky producers, on the other hand, are free to add other ingredients to their whiskies, such as fruit, spices, and herbs.
Freedom to innovate
English whisky producers benefit from a more relaxed regulatory environment overall. For example, they are not forced to submit their whiskies for approval by a government agency before release for sale.

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Innovation is flourishing

Cask experimentation: English whisky producers are experimenting with a wide range of cask types, including virgin oak, wine casks, and even beer casks. This is producing a fresh range of new and exciting flavour profiles.

Grain experimentation: English whisky producers are also working with a broad mix of grains, including unmalted barley, wheat, corn, and rye. This can often result in whiskies that taste quite different from Scottish whisky.

Flavouring experimentation: Some English whisky producers are adding other flavourings to their whiskies, such as fruit, spices, and herbs. This is resulting in whiskies that are truly unique and unlike anything else on the market.

English Whisky Subscription Benefits

Our whisky subscription is designed to give you access to the best whiskies that England has to offer. In each delivery, you'll receive a different full size (70cl) bottle of English whisky that has been carefully selected for its quality, flavour, and rarity. You'll enjoy whiskies from a variety of distilleries, including established names and up-and-coming producers.