From zero two decades ago, there are now 49 active whisky distilleries in England which are winning a host of internationally recognised awards.
English whisky is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a tsunami of drinkers across the world discovering and experiencing a spirit produced with incredible flavour diversity and to the highest standards.
Having raked in huge profits from a boom in gin drinking in recent years, English distilleries have been turning their hands to whisky making. With 49 active distilleries and a string of internationally recognised awards, the future of English whisky looks very bright.
Dave Smith, Chief Executive of the Oxford Artisan Distillery explains:
“English whisky is an incredibly innovative and creative space. Unlike Scotland, which is bound by strict traditions and consequent rules, English whisky is not limited by its mash bill (the mix of grains or ingredients) or casks.”
In the 19th century, whisky making was booming across England, however, a drought ensued when the last distillery, Lea Valley in East London, closed its doors in 1905.
It took nearly a century for the revival to begin when in 2003 Hicks & Healey made the first English whisky in Cornwall. Distilleries like Oxford Artisan followed laying down their first rye whisky in 2017 which came of age three years later in 2020.
Abbie Neilson, co-founder of Cooper King Distillery in Yorkshire, which makes a single malt whisky, said:
“Despite our 19th-century roots and nearly 100 years of production silence, the story of English whisky has only just begun. English whisky is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a tsunami of drinkers across the world discovering and experiencing spirit produced with incredible flavour diversity and to the highest standards.”
In 2022, fifteen founding distilleries came together to form the English Whisky Guild (EWG). Their vision is for English whisky to be recognised globally as a respected choice for whisky drinkers. The EWG now consists of 23 member distilleries.
By combining the experience of its members, the EWG says it aims “to showcase the remarkable diversity and quality of the many unique English whiskies out there, as well as to underscore the tireless pursuit of creativity, inclusivity and innovation that exists across the sector. As modern craftspeople, all EWG members share knowledge and expertise and work collaboratively for the future good of English whisky.”
This week the EWG have announced the appointment of Morag Garden as their Chief Executive Officer – the organisation’s first full-time employee.
Morag joins the EWG at a time when the English whisky industry is witnessing both remarkable growth and continued traction with whisky drinkers.
With circa 50,000 casks of English whisky predicted to be laid down by distillers by the end of 2024, the value of this maturing stock is forecast to exceed £1 billion over the same period.
With circa 50,000 casks of English whisky predicted to be laid down by distillers by the end of 2024, the value of this maturing stock is forecast to exceed £1 billion over the same period.
Andrew Nelstrop, Chair of the EWG and owner of The English Whisky Co said:
“The appointment of Morag Garden as the CEO of the English Whisky Guild is a vote of confidence by the industry about its future role in the global whisky market.”
On her appointment Moraq Garden said:
“I am delighted to represent the English Whisky sector which is continuing to grow, innovate and produce the highest quality spirit.
“I am looking forward to working with EWG members, with our supply chain, government and other key organisations to deliver the EWG’s vision for English whisky to be recognised globally as a respected choice for whisky drinkers.”
Cooper King Distillery created the first English Whisky Map in 2016 to promote the thriving English whisky scene. It has now become a tradition to update and present a new edition each year, on or around St George’s Day.
Read more about the EWG here: www.englishwhiskyguild.com
