The World Whiskies Awards recently announced the winners of their most coveted categories, including the World’s Best Single Malt, which this year was awarded to The English Distillery for their Sherry Cask Matured whisky. Despite its unremarkable name, the whisky stands out for its robust flavors of marzipan, dark chocolate-coated dates, honey, and ginger spice, along with its auburn color and non-chill-filtered nature, bottled at 92 proof. The 200 expert panelists at the WWA were impressed by the elegance of this English whisky, marking the second time in three years that an English whisky has won the top accolade.
The trend of English whiskies winning prestigious awards like the World’s Best Single Malt have raised eyebrows among critics, with some suggesting a potential bias towards emerging producers in non-traditional regions. However, others believe that there may genuinely be something special happening in English whisky production. While Scotland has a centuries-old whisky-making heritage with over 150 active distilleries, England has been gaining ground in the 21st Century, with The English Distillery being a pioneer in the scene when it was established in 2006 in Norfolk, becoming the first new whisky producer in the country for over 100 years.
The lack of an age statement on the Sherry Cask Matured label means that the whisky could potentially contain whisky up to 17 years of age, making it an appealing option for whisky enthusiasts. Despite its potentially older age, the whisky is priced competitively at £59.00 for a 700ml bottle, offering a good value for consumers looking to try an award-winning English whisky. The rise of English distilleries, with 45 currently operating in the country, suggests that the English whisky industry is on the rise and establishing a reputation for producing high-quality spirits that can compete on a global stage.
While the outcome of English whiskies winning top awards like the World’s Best Single Malt may seem novel, the trend reflects the growing success and recognition of English distilleries in the whisky industry. The accolades received by The English Distillery for their Sherry Cask Matured whisky highlight the innovation and quality of English whisky production, challenging the long-standing dominance of Scottish whiskies in the market. As the English whisky industry continues to grow and gain recognition, consumers can expect to see more diverse and high-quality offerings from distilleries like The English Distillery, showcasing the potential of English whisky to compete with established brands on an international level.
