Why the English Distillery Triumphed Over Scotch Brands
At the World Whiskies Awards, a single malt distilled in Norfolk beat Scottish rivals to win the title of best single malt in the world. The Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt is made by The English Distillery. Why did it triumph over other Scotch brands?
The spirit contains 46 percent alcohol by volume and is an unpeated single malt matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It is made from barley grown on a family farm.
According to judges, the Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt presents flavors of banana, pear, apricot, and marshmallow, while providing subtle notes of honeysuckle, smoke, and cinnamon. Its finish is peppery with notes of nutmeg and vanilla. So, it has great flavor. First point.
Why the English Distillery Triumphed Over Scotch Brands
Founded in 2006, the English Whisky Co produces single malt whiskies using traditional Scottish techniques. According to Andrew Nelstrop, he took over the English Distillery after the death of his father in 2014. Although the world may not have noticed, this is Scotch produced on English soil.
Mr Nelstrop said: “As England’s oldest registered whisky distillery, it has always been important to us to prove to the world that England can make world-class whisky and does. This prestigious award shows that it is not only possible but is actually happening.”
He added: “As we are in our 18th year of distilling it is incredibly special to us that our whiskies are recognised and that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest. Our founders’ sole ambition was to make world-class single malt whisky, so I am very proud to have seen it come to fruition.”
This is not the first time that an English distillery has been recognized as the world’s best single malt. In 2022, The Lakes Distillery was awarded in two categories: “Best English Single Malt” and “Best English Blended Whisky”.
Christopher Coates, Whisky Magazine’s editor-at-large, said that the latest win demonstrated the “incredible quality being produced by English distilleries”.
A spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association told MailOnline: “Choosing a favorite whisky is a very personal choice, and Scotch whisky consistently wins awards around the world.
“We are proud it is the world’s number one internationally traded spirit.”
