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England
English whisky production dates back to the 1800s, with some of the first distilleries emerging in Liverpool, Bristol, and London. The popularity of English distilleries surged during the 1880s and as the demand for whisky increased, tax revenues from whisky sales contributed to a sixth of Britain’s revenue. Fast forward to 1887, British brewing historian, Alfred Barnard published a book called “Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” which provides many insights on the Victorian era of whisky production.
However, the British Whisky world took a turn in the early 1900s with the closure of Lea Valley Distilleries, the only whisky distillery in England at the time, which marked the end of an era in British whisky production. The resurgence of English Whisky only came a century later in the early 2000s with the establishment of distilleries like Hicks and Healey in 2003 and The English Whisky Company in 2006. These new distilleries revived the tradition of English whisky making and introduced new styles and flavours to the market.
The Beginning of the British Whisky Invasion
The English whisky industry has a long and fascinating history, marked by periods of growth and decline. Unlike its neighbours in Ireland and Scotland, English whisky faced many challenges and obstacles that hindered its development. Historical sources indicate that distillation was introduced to England, Scotland, and Ireland around the same time in the Middle Ages. However, distillation was mainly used for medicinal purposes in the early days.
The first English distilleries emerged in the early 19th century, in major cities such as Bristol, Liverpool, and London. The popularity of whisky in Britain reached its peak in the late 19th century, thanks to Alfred Barnard's influential book. However, various factors such as legal changes, high taxes, and competition from other spirits led to the decline of English whisky production. The Whisky Act of 1823, which reformed the whisky industry in the UK, did not include English whisky licenses, which further disadvantaged the English distillers.
The 21st century witnessed a revival of the English whisky industry, driven by a renewed interest in the craft of whisky-making and new regulations that allowed more flexibility and innovation. The first new distillery in England, St George's Distillery, opened in 2003, sparking a trend of the British Whisky Invasion. World of Whisky is the official brand importer for St Georges Distillery - now called The English Distillery. In 2024, The English Sherry Cask was awarded the highly coveted title of "Best Single Malt in the World," helping to generate renewed interest in both this distillery and English whisky more broadly.
The Growth of British Distilleries
English whisky has gained popularity in recent years, leading to the establishment of more distilleries across the country. These distilleries offer a range of whiskies for different tastes and preferences, and they are situated in various cities in England, contributing to the diversity of British whisky. Some of the most notable British distilleries that have emerged since the beginning of the 21st century include the Bimber Distillery, the Copper King Distillery, the Hicks & Healy distillery, The London Distillery Company and the White Peak Distillery.
English Whisky Experts
World of Whisky- A world of knowledge, a world of experience, a world of whisky history. We are Australia’s first and only specialist concept whisky store. We are passionate whisky enthusiasts, we live, drink and breathe whisky, so whether you are looking to unwind after a hard day’s work, browse the expertly-selected English Whisky available, or looking for that perfect gift for that special occasion, you’ve come to the right place. Start your journey here.
- Durham Distillery
- Whittaker's Distillery
- Cooper King Distillery
- Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery (North West)
- Lakes Distillery (Midlands)
- Wharf Distillery
- Chase Distillery
- Ludlow Distillery
- Henstone Distillery
- White Peak Distillery
- Forest Distillery (East of England)
- The English Distillery
- Copper House Distillery (London)
- East London Liquor Co.
- The London Distillery Co.
- Bimber Distillery (South East)
- Isle of Wight Distillery
- Copper Rivet Distillery
- The Oxford Artisan Distillery
- Cotswolds Distillery South West
- Dartmoor Whisky Distillery
- Princetown Distillery
- Hicks & Healey
- Circumstance Distillery
What Makes a Real English Whisky?
The English Whisky Group (EWG) has submitted a draft standard to define the characteristics of English whisky. The group, which represents 16 distilleries in England, such as Copper Rivet Distillery, Oxford Artisan Distillery, English Whisky Company, and Cotswold Distillery, wants to establish a clear identity for the category. According to the draft standard, English whisky must be:
- At least 40% ABV.
- Made from grain grown in the UK and distilled and aged in England.
- Aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years (not necessarily oak).
- Distilled at least twice in a copper pot still if it is a single malt.
The draft standard is under review by the UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The EWG hopes that the standard will help new and existing producers follow a consistent framework, ensure quality and standards across the category, and inform consumers about what makes English whisky unique. The draft standard also allows for some flexibility and innovation in production methods. For example, oak barrels are not required, and other types of wood such as maple or cherry can be used. The three-year aging requirement is in line with other whisky-producing countries such as Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. The EWG aims to create a balance between innovation and reputation in the draft standard. The goal is to formalize the category, guide production practices, and set quality benchmarks for English whisky.
