English Distillery Breaks Century Old Drought With Nations First 18 Year Old Whisky

After over a century of absence from the whisky landscape, England has launched its first 18 year old single malt, marking a significant milestone in the nations spirits industry. The English Distillery in Norfolk, a family enterprise, takes centre stage as it releases a limited batch of just 60 bottles of its “Cask 001”, each priced at a striking £3000.

For more than 100 years, England had not produced a commercial whisky, leaving Scotland unchallenged in the market. The turning point arrived in 2006, when James Nelstrop, a Lincolnshire-born farmer, established The English Distillery. Although Nelstrop passed away in 2014 before he could taste this historic malt, his vision lives on through his son, Andrew Nelstrop, who now leads the business. The distillery’s new release is described as both a tribute to its founder and a pivotal moment in English whisky’s revival.

English whisky’s return is a notable event in a field long dominated by Scottish distillers. The last English commercial distillery, Lea Valley in East London, ceased production in 1903. The English Distillery’s persistence, combined with a willingness to challenge Scotch whisky orthodoxy, has begun to earn English producers a reputation for innovation and quality. Notably, last year, its Sherry Cask expression claimed the World’s Best Single Malt title at the World Whiskies Awards, surpassing some of Scotland’s top drams.

Despite Scotland’s enduring dominance, with over 140 distilleries producing more than 500 million litres annually and carrying iconic brands like Johnnie Walker, Macallan, and Glenfiddich, English whisky is coming into its own. Around a dozen English distilleries are active, with about 40 more in various stages of development. While English operations remain boutique, often small scale and family run, they are increasingly recognised for their quality and unique approach.

Other English producers, such as the Cotswolds Distillery and the Lakes Distillery, have been praised for their creativity and international success, proving that English whisky is not merely a copy of Scotch but a developing category with its own distinctive character.

The English Distillery’s 18 year old is more than a new entry; it symbolises the patience and vision required to revive a tradition. Tasting notes from the distillery highlight vanilla, red fruit, and sandalwood on the nose, with caramel, stewed apple on the palate, and a long oaky finish. While Scotland’s whisky legacy remains unsurpassed by volume or reputation, England’s growing presence adds a fresh dimension to the historic rivalry between the two nations.