29 products

English Whisky

A century ago England's distilleries closed their doors due to fierce competition from their northern neighbours and a spike in the popularity of gin. In 2006, two farmers, James Nelstrop and son Andrew began experimenting with excess grain, turning it into new-make. At three years of age, the St.George distillery's 'Chapter 5' release became England's first Whisky in over one hundred years. New English whisky makers have followed suit. These operations typically start with gin as it requires no ageing and creates immediate cash flow. The whiskies follow 3-4 years later. Cotswolds, Adnams and The English Whisky Co. are just a few names to look out for in the burgeoning British whisky scene.
    • 92
    Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Single Malt English Whisky (700ml) - Batch 4
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 51.2%

    Bimber's previous Ex-Bourbon bottlings set a high standard, impressing more than a few malt enthusiasts including strong reviews from whiskyfun and whiskyadvocate.com. The formula is simple: Create an unpretentious, delicious whisky from carefully selected casks to showcase the quality of the distillate. The fourth edition has arrived and once again confirms American oak's affinity with Bimber's sultry, fruit-forward character. Think semi-ripe bananas and pears, caramelized apples and dried coconut wrapped up in a high-strength delivery. 7000 bottles are on offer globally. 51.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 20ml sample.

    • 94
    Bimber Apogee XII 12 Year Old Pure Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46.3%

    Bimber's foray into sourced whiskies sees twelve year old Highland and Speyside malts matured and blended in spice-forward Bimber x-Bourbon casks. Tasted from a 15ml sample, as you'd find in many a Speysider, the opening sniffs include fresh cut oak, before moving into malty gear with gorgeous, ripe aromas of poached pears, apple tart, tea biscuits and vanilla wafer. It sounds a bit pedestrian in terms of flavour descriptors, but compensates in a superbly textural delivery with an almost fresh orchard fruit crunch and crispness, backed up by sweet wood notes and furry tannins. The fruit / malt / spice interplay is skilfully harmonised, but it's that special something to the mouthfeel that makes this more than an everyday drinker and more of a quiet treasure. Bottled without chill-filtration in a striking, custom bottle which features a tactile glass fashioned to imitate the surfaces of Bimber’s small copper pot stills. 46.3% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Spiced pears and oven-baked apricot flans are sweetened by candy necklaces and scented with rosewater, nutmeg and powdered ginger. Palate: Syrupy orchard and stone fruits provide a bright and fresh mouthfeel supported by lightly charred oak, gentle white pepper and cooling mint. Finish: Lingering ripe and sweet fruits alongside sympathetic, aromatic oak.

    • 92
    Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 3 Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 51.6%

    The English Whisky front continues to expand with London-based Bimber. Their first casks were laid down in 2016 and an inaugural single malt followed three years later in September of 2019. This project definitely fulfills the category of a 'craft' operation with 100% of the barley sourced from a single farm, traditionally floor malted, hand-mashed and slow-fermented for seven days in wooden washbacks. Direct fire copper stills and an in-house cooperage complete the picture. Distiller, Dariusz Plazewski’s policy of small-batch and single-cask releases has quickly built a loyal following. Bourbon barrels are felt to best complement Bimber's accessible fruit-forward spirit. This small batch release is a limited run of 5000 bottles (almost double last year's outturn). Powerful yet balanced, it's a dryish malt; Although the length is only moderate, the definition and concentration is impressive; Flavours of cream sponge cake are followed by rich barley and a balancing herbal note adding peppermint-like freshness, leaning towards young rye at the finish. Tasted from a 15ml sample. Bottled in June 2021. 51.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Bimber Klub No.3 Imperial Stout Cask Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 51.2%

    A Bimber for club (Klub) members only (except for a bunch that have made it to retail!) The point of difference is that this was finished in an x Imperial stout cask. 1650 bottles were released at 51.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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    Bimber Single Cask #191 Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml) - Australia Edition
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $199.00
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 59.1%

    While Bimber Distillery has been bottling exclusives for the rest of the world via its 'Country Collection' since 2021, this edition takes the selection ethos one step further, with local importer 'Wonderland Drinks' making their own pick. Cask 191 amounts to 252 bottles from an x-bourbon barrel and shows off all the texture and mouth filling character associated with the precocious malts from this English upstart. A 15ml sample yielded pineapple pudding, light citrus and whiffs of cut grass following in a glycerous, bomb-shell Bimber attack, beautifully poised at near 60%ABV. Already with a strong international following, this should go fast. Bottled non chill filtered at 59.1% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

    • Nick's Import
    Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 2 Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $225. 00
    Bottle
    $2700.00 Dozen
    ABV: 52.2%
    The English Whisky front continues to expand with London-based Bimber. Their first casks were laid down in 2016 and an inaugural single malt followed three years later in September of 2019. This project definitely fulfills the category of a 'craft' operation with 100% of the barley sourced from a single farm, traditionally floor malted, hand-mashed and slow-fermented for seven days in wooden washbacks. Direct fire copper stills and an in-house cooperage complete the picture. Distiller, Dariusz Plazewski’s policy of small-batch and single-cask releases has quickly built a loyal following.

    Batch 2 in the Bourbon matured series is an outturn of approximately 2200 bottles at natural strength. Comes non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... [Batch 1 tasted] Colour: pale gold. Nose: what’s immediately, glaringly apparent, is that this is a distillate influenced more equitably by its fermentation rather than just by its malt and its wood. You have this initial hit of bubblegum, then some rather bright and shiny green fruits. There’s also a similar richness and natural quality to the cereal components as we saw in the Cotswolds, but here it sits alongside these bolder and more assertive fruity aspects. Citrus peels, wee fizzy esters and eventually more vanilla from the American oak emerging. With water: spices, orchard fruits, gooseberry, kiwi and some softer things like sandalwood and fabric. I even get a wee impression of chalkiness. Mouth: here you feel the oak a little more directly at first. Quite a lot of green and pink peppercorns, rye breads, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric. All hyper clean and in some ways more towards what we might think of as as ‘world whisky’ profile (terminology that’s increasingly loosing meaning in my view). With water: indeed, rather grippy spices, a mixture of fresh and bitter herbs, lime, sorrel, peppery watercress and some pretty classical vanilla sponge cake. Finish: good length, a nicely bitter, peppery, lightly herbal and even showing some notes of ointment and witchhazel. Comments: Extremely impressive stuff. The oak bites ever so slightly for me but this is undeniably classy and very well-made young whisky. I love these herbal qualities that emerge with time and a little water. Would love to try this distillate from refill one day.
    87 points - whiskyfun.com

    Bimber Single Cask Port Cask #39 Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.1%
    The English Whisky front continues to expand with London-based Bimber. Their first casks were laid down in 2016 and an inaugural single malt followed three years later in September of 2019. This project definitely fulfills the category of a 'craft' operation with 100% of the barley sourced from a single farm, traditionally floor malted, hand-mashed and slow-fermented for seven days in wooden washbacks. Direct fire copper stills and an in-house cooperage complete the picture. Distiller, Dariusz Plazewski’s policy of small-batch and single-cask releases has quickly built a loyal following.

    Whether it be their pinkish hues, or their promise of sweet, jammy fruits and mellowed wine notes – the complexities and body that results when port and whisky are sympathetically merged has become a sought-after combination. Adds Bimber, "Back when we were laying down our first casks in 2016 we already knew that we wanted port maturation to become a fourth pillar of our wood policy alongside a mainstay of ex-bourbon, virgin casks and an expanding selection of diverse sherried styles. Our ruby port casks were sourced from the Duoro Valley in Portugal  – the birthplace of port, where wine has been made for over two thousand years. And they’ve become amongst our oldest, having been left to mature for an extended time – now being released at nearly five years of age."

    From an outturn of 285 bottles. Comes non chill filtered and bottled at 58.1% Alc../Vol.

    Cotswolds Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.4%

    Fans of powerful, sherry matured malts will be looking forward to tasting Cotswold's latest. Throughout its relatively short history, the distillery have aged their whisky in a variety of casks made from different woods (both Spanish and American oak), in different sizes (250-litre Hogsheads and 500-litre Butts) and seasoned with different wines (dry Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximénez). Every year they create a blend from these various cask types with the aim of delivering the ultimate sherried whisky experience. Each batch will be unique, but will always be full-term matured in sherry casks. 9900 bottles are on offer at natural strength.

    Other reviews... Nose: Full on flaming Christmas cake here, the brandy has just been lit and the cake split open. Dark-skinned fruits abound, plums in port, blackcurrant jam and Medjool dates. Palate: Those fruits come through first, then treacle and sweet dates, crumpets with golden syrup and a little cinnamon spice. Finish: Slowly dried with a little cracked black pepper spice and redcurrant tang. Comment: A nice, not-quite-sherry-bomb whisky that has plenty of balance between sweetness, the wood and fruits. - Rob Allanson, whiskymag.com

    Notes from the producers...  Nose: Brown sugar and cherry pie with a touch of roasted coffee beans. Palate: Viscous and rich. Full of dark stone fruits, chocolate and a hint of roasted almonds. Finish: Peppery oak spice accompanied by notes of dried fruits. 57.4% Alc./Vol.

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    Cotswolds Peated Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60.4%
    "Unlikely you'll find a more perfectly balanced and complex peat cask malt than this, this year!" - Jim Murray


    What started as an experiment has become the newest (and most praised) addition to Cotswolds' growing core range. Consisting of around 2900 bottles per batch, 'Peated Cask" is made using un-peated local barley; the new-make is then aged in x-peated quarter casks from Scotland (these are considerably smaller than your standard whisky cask). The Islay-soaked oak influence complements the fruity notes in the spirit without overwhelming (it's more like the phenols are softly brushed on). Awarded Best World Whisky at the International Whisky Competition 2020, it also added yet another glowing review to Cotswolds extraordinary track record from Jim Murray (see below - batch 01/2019 tasted). Note: We have considerably less to sell than the Founder's Choice, so if you're in the market for a peaty treat, be quick.

    Other reviews... (Batch No. 01/2019) at first the smoke is little more than a thin shadow, or a distant echo. Slowly, however, it builds, seemingly a molecule at a time, into something more complete... delicate, so delicate.... a degree of youth prods the salivation button.... not so much a blanket of smoke, more a thin sheet. This is laid gently over the contours of the mochas-enriched tannins, gentle ulmo honey and demerara sugars. First it is a tease. And then a complete seduction. On St.George's Day an English Whisky that is unquestionably among the world's elite this year. Amazing. 59.3% Alc./Vol.
    96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    "...Precocious, huge & delicious." 5+ stars - diffordsguide.com

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    Cotswolds Founder's Choice Cask Strength English Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60.5%
    "...truly won over by the way this flits from enormity to refined elegance..."
    - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    This release sees Cotswolds' creamy, fruity new-make filled into American oak STR barriques for just over three years. The Master Blender selected nine for the final cut. The inaugural batch was dedicated to industry legend, Dr. Jim Swan, who encouraged Cotswolds to shave, toast, and re-char red wine barriques. Subsequent batches have followed. The highly active casks were finally disgorged and bottled at natural cask strength, non-chill filtered and with no added colouring. Once again Jim Murray et al were impressed, with the whisky taking out "Best English Single Malt" at the WWA in 2019. Very limited stocks.

    Other reviews... The beauty of a whisky at this strength is that the sharpness of the wine casks is at full volume, their salivating qualities heading through the roof. The nose may be little more than a caress - but no such subtlety here as the barley gangs up into something more rich and remarkable. ... long, and after that big fruit explosion, emollient and concentrating on all the softer, more honeyed aspects of the malt. Those partial to a slice of butterscotch tart will also find favour with the delicate finale. How can one not be truly won over by the way this flits from enormity to refined elegance?
    95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    ... this has developed aromas of cherry, dried goji berries, rose petal, vanilla cake mix, butterscotch, and muted spices. It still feels young at this mighty strength. Warm red fruits of cherry and strawberry slam into a distortion of allspice, clove, and tongue-searing alcohols, which are quelled eventually by sweet notes of creamy toffee and mint. (3,000 bottles)
    87 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2019)

    World Whiskies Awards Category Winner: 'Best English Single Malt' 2019.

    San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold.

    Notes from the producers.... Nose: Dry hay and cut wood, with dark chocolate and dried figs, and plums in sweet syrup. Palate: Warming cereal and toast notes, with lots of fresh red fruits and butterscotch. Finish: Hints of spicy oak, lots of dried fruit and a lingering nutty, dry note.

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    • Reduced
    Cotswolds English Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $120.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Hugely flavoursome young whisky. Liquid gold - Jim Murray.

    The first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds, England. The core release is aged for just over three years and comes bottled non-chill filtered. Daniel Szor, founder and CEO, comments "Our Single Malt is the culmination of years of hard work, combining over five decades of ‘grain to glass’ production knowledge from internationally-renowned experts with the region’s best-in-class ingredients. We’ve managed to produce something truly remarkable, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved."

    Tasting note: [Batch 01/2018] Polished copper colour. An alluring mix of barley cake, shortbread and orchard fruit nectar – as well as a decent dose of cocoa and vanilla. A little lighter and fresher than the nose suggests: Perfectly rounded – no rough edges here – the oily malt carrying flavours fruit nectar, cocoa and hints of confectionary ; the oak dominates the finish, with warming spice and fine tannins balancing the whole. Great length. Jim Swan's legacy is evident in this hugely flavoursome young whisky. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... World Whiskies Awards 2018 — Best English Single Malt

    95 points Liquid Gold - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2018

    ...Honey, sugar-sprinkled shortbread, peach tarts, marzipan fruits, glacé apricot, finely shredded citrus peel, and young pink rhubarb. Flavors of heather honey, chili flakes, Christmas spices, caramelized sugar, malt; then marmalade, dried red fruits, and cappuccino. A great all-rounder. More please!
    91 points - maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2018)

    There aren’t many distilleries that could claim more auspicious beginnings than Cotswolds. Taking inspiration from Bruichladdich, this 'terroir focused' venture is a tick list for quality and attention to detail: 100% locally grown floor-malted barley, long fermentations, unusual yeast strains, innovative distillation cuts and bourbon and shave-toast-rechar red wine casks indicate a producer at the high end of the passion scale. In an effort to improve transparency, the barley variety and farm it was grown are also listed on each bottle. Commencing production in 2014, the use of ‘STR' casks has been key to early success. These vessels were designed by the late whisky consultant, Dr. Jim Swan. Readers might be familiar with his involvement with other ‘new world’ ventures, bringing quick recognition to brands such as Kavalan and Amrut.

    East London Liquor Co. Ltd & Sonoma Distilling Co. Collaborative Blended Whisky (700ml)
    London, UNITED KINGDOM
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45.5%
    A collaboration between East London Liqueur Co. and Sonoma Distilling Company's Adam Spiegel, this London Rye whisky has been matured in a variety of casks, including ex-peated whisky casks and Pedro Ximenez sherry. We were treated to a thimble full and the quality was certainly impressive.

    Other reviews... Nose: Classic rye notes of caramel, toffee, sweet cereals, rye bread, peppercorns and baking spice. Then fresh chopped logs, and a little fruit and nut mix. Palate: Very savoury to begin, with green wood, tomato vines, bran flakes, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, conifers, and pine cones. Then some unripe lime, pomegranate and little herby thing – parsley and chive. Finish: Stays herbal and woody, with an earthy sweetness – tobacco leaves. - edinburghwhiskyblog.com
    East London Liquor Co. Ltd London Rye Whisky (700ml)
    London, UNITED KINGDOM
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47%
    Made from a mash bill of 42% rye and 58% extra pale malted barley, this distinctive and tasty rye was distilled in a combination of column and pot stills. Maturation in a variety of barrels included one year in French oak, two years in ex-bourbon followed by one month in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. 47% Alc./Vol.
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Filey Bay STR Cask Finish Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $165.00
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    One of the crowd favourites at the distillery. Primary maturation in ex-bourbon casks has softened the mouth feel and allowed Filey Bay's signature flavour profile to shine, while a finishing in Shaved Toasted and Re-charred (STR) ex-red wine casks has added a wonderful deep colour and hints of red fruits. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the producers... Light, floral and fruity with flavours of red fruits, vanilla ice cream and toasted oak.

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    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Filey Bay Moscatel Finish Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $165.00
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    With two Forsyths pot stills and a four-plate copper column, the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery have plenty of options when it comes to nailing a house style. This example falls into the experimental category, however it's now sold out at the distillery, so we can assume the experiment was a success! While sherries like Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso are well known in single malt whisky maturation, Moscatel is much more unusual. The varietal is known for its floral aromas (orange blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle) as well as citric notes like lime and grapefruit. The Yorkshire team initially matured this expression in 200 litre bourbon casks (filled in 2016), before transferring it to 250 litre Hogshead barrels that previously held Spanish Moscatel. The result is summed up as a really interesting, flavourful whisky - light and soft but with layers of tropical fruit and sweet spice. You can also expect notes of honeycomb, orange marmalade, dried fruits and cocoa. Very limited stocks from an outturn of 6000 bottles. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... A gorgeously weighted, charismatic malt with a sublime usage of fruit which does not - and this is so rare these days - overburden. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022  

    91 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2020

    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Filey Bay Flagship Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $150.00
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery has been in operation since May 2016 and is a first for the district. The team has already received rave reviews for multiple expressions, in particular its first and second releases, now superseded by the ‘Flagship’. Rated 95 and 93 points respectively, Jim Murray commented of the inaugural bottling, “I have to say that the first thing that flashed through my mind on tasting my first mouthful was: Glenfiddich!… I’m talking about the classic non-age statement version, for years its trademark brand, that was sadly lost a great many years ago to make way for the 12 year old. When you taste this, you’ll see why. It is the sheer elan, the fabulous brightness of the whisky that both wins your heart and takes you back the best part of a couple of decades, youthful, fun and stunningly well made…” Expect something similar in this latest batch. Also on offer is a Moscatel finish, rare for whisky maturation (94.5 points) and an STR matured malt bearing the influence of industry legend, Dr Jim Swan (he helped with the Filey Bay startup a year before he died. It partly explains why these whiskies are so good.). Unfortunately this shipment was too small to permit us opening any of them to taste. Be the first! 

    Other reviews... [First release tasted] Fresh and massively satisfying... 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

    [Second release tasted] An encouraging step toward their flagship single malt, this lemon-pale dram evokes aromas of lemon, herb gardens, clotted cream, marshmallow, and a little vanilla. It’s sweet as candy, with flavors of sugared almonds, Sweethearts, butter icing, candied lemon peel, pancakes, and a finish of peppery arugula leaves. (6,000 bottles)  88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2020

    [Second release tasted]... It’s the first time I’m trying this make. Apparently, it is a combination of pot and column spirits, so a self-blend or a single blend if you like, although it’s labelled as a single malt. Not too sure what the rules are in Boris Country, or are you allowed to call it a single malt if your column(s) does not rectify much? Just speculating, let’s try this baby… Colour: white wine. Nose: light and rather gracious, on pears, vanilla, melons, acacia honey and fresh maple syrup. I am not getting any graininess I have to say, and for sure no varnish, would love to have a look at their column. Mouth: indeed, it is sweet, fruity and easy, with bonbons, preserved pears and peaches, pineapple, and a little barley water. Shall we say we’re finding an Irish side to it? Finish: medium, fresh, easy, leaving your mouth as fresh as a baby’s. Comments: rather the opposite of the previous German drop, but I find it just as good. The high quaffability is a plus. 82 points - whiskyfun.com

    North Star The English Whisky Co. 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $225. 00
    Bottle
    $2700.00 Dozen
    ABV: 49.8%
    Here's a real twist on single malt whisky: It's English and it's matured full-term in a Burgundy red wine cask! With an outturn of 300 bottles, North Star say to expect aromas and flavours of smokey Pinot Noir, flinty cherries and raspberries and Sassenach's Eau de Vie. Bottled non chill filtered at 49.8% Alc./Vol.

    Established in 2006, the English Whisky Co. produce both unpeated and peated whiskies, in conjunction with a rolling program of cask trials that includes x-rum and sherry casks. Pinning down a ‘house style’ is difficult. The company is the most prolific producer of English malt whisky, though by Scotch standards, output is miniscule. Some bottlings are harder to find than others. Virtually all of them have received rave reviews from the likes of Jim Murray. Early bottlings we tasted back in 2011 were precocious.
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    St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. Smokey Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%
    Part of the core range, this is EWC's peated (45ppm) single malt, offering a lovely waft of smoke on the nose and palate. A novel alternative for the Islay fan.

    Tasting note: Bright gold. Sweet barley covered in a light blanket of soot. Exposure hints at green cardamom, pineapple pudding and sponge cake. The smokiness subsides releasing orchard fruits (pear / apple). Even better definition after 2-3 minutes. An exotic mezcal-like edge to the delivery. A soft burst of barley, then a rush of oily, creamy peat. The finish is dappled with gently buzzing spices, the aftertaste developing some lovely smoked meat notes. References Kilchoman's finest in its fantastically fresh, pure feel. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews… quite a different type of phenol here, sharp and acrid and not dissimilar to that found inside a crisp packet….ridiculously soft delivery. Like their “Original” at 43% this has a curious and not unattractive feel of an old blend about it, the lightness of the body being on stark contrast to the weight of the peat… super complexity as the phenols calm sufficiently for the light tannins and liquorice to make brilliant contrast to the glittering array of dark, toasty sugars; they could have also written “smoky bacon cask”. 93.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017

    This lives up to its name with leaf bonfire smoke, vanilla essence, and ginger preserves. Distiller David Fitt chooses malt peated to the same level as Port Ellen maltings delivers to Laphroaig. Assertive flavors of raw ginger, peppercorn, and chili flakes succumb to soothing vanilla cream and herbal notes. It leaves a creaminess on the lips and a mouth-coating finish of bonfire smoke and ground pepper. (480 bottles)
    89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2018)
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    St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. Original Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%
    A century ago England's distilleries closed their doors due to fierce competition from their northern neighbours and a spike in the popularity of gin. In 2006, two farmers, James Nelstrop and son Andrew began experimenting with excess grain, turning it into new-make. At three years of age, St. George distillery's 'Chapter 5' release became England's first Whisky in over one hundred years.

    Located about 300 miles from the Scottish border, copper stills and equipment were purchased from Forsyths of Rothes, who have been servicing the whisky industry since the late 1800’s. Legendary Laphroaig distiller, Iain Henderson was tempted away from retirement and commissioned for the initial runs with the first 29 barrels filled in December 2006. Iain finally did retire, but not before he spent four months training David Fitt, a brewer from Greene King to take over. David is now distillery manager.

    The physical operation is called ‘St. George’s Distillery’, but all the whiskies are marketed under the 'EWC' label. Both unpeated and peated whisky is produced, in conjunction with a rolling program of cask trials that includes x-rum and sherry casks. Pinning down a ‘house style’ is difficult. The company is the most prolific producer of English malt whisky, though by Scotch standards, output is miniscule.

    The flagship lineup employs a chapter system, with Chapter 5 representing their first-ever whisky release (chapters 1-4 were new make or less than three years old, which legally can’t be called whisky in the U.K.). Some are harder to find than others. Virtually all of them have received rave reviews from the likes of Jim Murray. Early bottlings we tasted back in 2011 were precocious. There are now two core products referred to as "Original" and "Smokey". At the time of writing, EWC’s 11 year olds are the oldest English whiskies made to date.

    Aged in selected x Bourbon Casks, the 'Original' is completely unpeated with the focus on the quality of the distillate.

    Tasting note: The beautifully soft nose-feel borders on sublime. Aromas of Marie biscuits, fresh sponge cake and vanilla-laced malt with emerging fruitiness. Equally delightful flavour-wise , the malt landing on the tongue like a pillow; oily, with light orchard fruits; some beeswax and biscuity malt through the aftertaste. Spices build, adding depth. Impeccable sweet-dry balance. Lingering orchard fruitiness. Quite delicious. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews… So light. The malt seems distracted by the gently encroaching vanillas with the oils scuppered at this strength the daintier notes have a slight advantage….clean, soft, silky, exceptionally malty and then a surge of salivating gristy sweetness… Norfolk’s finest. Pleasant, hugely enjoyable and friendly. But by EWC standards, pretty basic too. 89 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017

    Malt barns, cornflakes, some sparse vanilla, redskin peanuts, citrus peel, and a dash of white pepper on the nose. The overall impression on the olfactory system is gentle and mild. A tasty prospect, with poached pear, vanilla ice cream, honeydew, peppery spices, ground almond, custard tarts, lemon zest, malt, and peanut brittle. A little tangy citrus, deep warmth, and vanilla to finish. Rather moreish. (480 bottles) 89 points
    - maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2018)

    Gold Medal. San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017.
    • Reduced
    2007 St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 11 Year Old Portuguese Cabernet Sauvignon Single Cask Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $175.00
    $145. 00
    Bottle
    $1740.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.8%
    Another fascinating (and very limited) release from EWC, this time fully matured in a Portuguese Cabernet wine cask for eleven years. Red wine casks can add attractive though subtle hints of cherry and red berries to the whisky.

    Notes from the producer... Nose:- Boiled sweets – think cough candies. Cinnamon, cloves and woody spices along with rich caramelised raisins. Taste:- Rich dark fruits. Very woody, and the boiled sweets come through on the palate. Notes of raisins and apricots are also present. 56.8% Alc./Vol. 311 bottles
    • 87
    • Reduced
    St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 5 Year Old Chapter 17 Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $150.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    "Worth finding just for the spiced barley-caramel extravaganza on delivery alone." - Jim Murray

    Other reviews... A typical St. Georges malt explosion, the delivery being something of a grist convention. But there is a tang to this with the tannins never being on quite the same song sheet as the malt. That all said, worth finding just for the spiced barley-caramel extravaganza on delivery alone. 87 points 46% Alc./Vol. 1641 bottles.
    • Reduced
    2008 St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 10 Year Old American Oak Single Cask Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $175.00
    $145. 00
    Bottle
    $1740.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.1%
    About as pure an expression as you'll find from this distillery, with no fancy cask finish, just beautiful malt. Distilled in 2008 and matured exclusively in First fill American oak before being bottled at cask strength. 58.1% Alc./Vol.
    • Reduced
    2010 St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 8 Year Old Smokey American Oak Small Batch Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $130.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    63ppm phenols = serious smoke.

    Another small batch bottling from EWC, following a tradition started with the first ever peated English single malt, also released by EWC. With phenol levels at 63 ppm surpassing most Islays, this boasts some serious smoke.

    Notes from the producer... Rich deep peat and lots of it. Smoked meats. Sherbert lemons and ginger snap biscuits - all finished off with a long, rich smokey, dry finish. 46% Alc./Vol.
    1065 bottles
    • Reduced
    2007 St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 11 Year Old Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Small Batch Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $130.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    The oldest English Whisky to date.

    An 11 year old whisky, aged in Cabernet Sauvignon casks ranking as the oldest whisky EWC have bottled to date.

    Notes from the producer... This promises lots of rich dark fruits, with plenty of spicy woody notes, apricots and caramelised raisins along with wafts of boiled sweets. 46% Alc./Vol.
    • Reduced
    St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 5 Year Old Chapter 15 Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $140.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    A heavily smoked release of 1476 bottles. Notes suggest the smoke arrives slowly but builds and builds, mixing with honeyed sweetness.

    Other reviews… [Previous batch tasted] A rare whisky where the sum is less than its parts...it is like a series of discontinued stories are told on the palate. Yet many moments are superb.
    89.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2018

    Here, talented distiller David Fitt shows us his latest expression of heavily peated whisky. The nose has jalapeño and bell peppers, with pungent peat smoke that catches at the back of the throat. The smoke is sooty coal dust buoyed with some sweetness, but without a medicinal edge to the phenols. Sipping brought lemon bonbons, herbal elements, and some burnt toast character. It swells out in the middle before relenting, leaving a quenching, sweet finish and a smoky aura. 83 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2015)
    • Reduced
    2010 St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 8 Year Old Heavily Peated Triple Distilled Single Cask Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $175.00
    $145. 00
    Bottle
    $1740.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.4%
    Very, very heavily peated English Whisky at 60ppm (to give some perspective, Ardbeg weighs in at around 35ppm) This unusual gem was triple distilled in August 2010 and bottled in 2018 yielding 246 bottles. 57.4% Alc./Vol.
    • 93
    St. Georges Distillery English Whisky Co. 3 Year Old Chapter 9 Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Norfolk, UNITED KINGDOM
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Not only a remarkable whisky for its age, it is one of the genuine collector opportunities released so far this year.
    Be quick!

    Tasting note: Pale straw / green colour. Aromas of grilled sweet corn, cereals, dried grass and heavy cream linger beneath a wonderfully soft, seamlessly integrated blanket of peat that contributes some sticking plaster notes. Extraordinary complexity at this young age. Palate entry is soft, building into a big, juicy, spicy burst with sticking plaster, cocoa and liquorice strap flavours. Creamy mouthfeel. Concludes fresh and clean with a subtle liquorice bullet fade. Eminently drinkable and utterly moreish whisky. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol. Stocks are limited.

    • 91
    St. Georges Distillery English Whisky Co. 3 Year Old Chapter 6 Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Norfolk, UNITED KINGDOM
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    The unpeated 'Chapter 6' was distilled September 2007 by Iain Henderson and bottled in January 2011.

    Tasting note: Brilliant pale straw colour. Opening aromas are of pristine, pure malt. The toasty cereals have a subtle sulphury tinge that’s pardonable. The aromas become sweeter with aeration - choc fudge, cocoa, caramel and vanilla emerge. Like the Chapter 9 release tasted previously, terrific aromatic complexity for such a young spirit. Soft silky entry. At mid palate gentle spices marry with medium dry, rich malty flavours. Good concentration. Finishes clean and dry followed by a creamy vanilla / cocoa aftertaste. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

    • 92
    • 94
    St. Georges Distillery The English Whisky Co. 5 Year Old Chapter 14 Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Part of EWC's small batch release, with an outturn of 1438 bottles. Distilled 2011 and bottled 2017. Matured in an x Bourbon cask.

    Tasting note: [20ml sample] Wait five minutes for superb fragrances of apple, pear, vanilla and beeswax to build. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively, the orchard fruits toned down a notch. Instead there’s nuances of tea biscuits and lemon sponge cake. Crisp, lean and dry through the aftertaste, this should appeal to lovers of Clynelish. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews… [Previous batch tasted] Only six years old! Boasts the complexity of a malt three times that age. Beautiful whisky: simple as! 94.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2018

    Unripe pears, honeycomb, strawberry millefeuille, and vanilla custard. A light and pleasant expression, but it’s not the kind of complex dram that will hold your attention all night. This batch of unpeated 5 year old single malt from St. George was disgorged from just four American standard barrels, and the taste consists of waxy lemons, vanilla cream, and banana splits, with a growing caramel presence. A dry finish of light spices and sweet lemon. 82 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2015)