English whisky

English whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in England. Unlike its more famous counterpart, Scotch whisky, English whisky is a relatively new addition to the world of spirits, with the first modern distillery opening in England in the 21st century.

History

The history of English whisky is a tale of resurgence. While whisky production in England can be traced back to the Middle Ages, it was largely overshadowed by the production of other spirits such as gin and beer. The last known distillery in England ceased operations in the early 20th century, marking a hiatus in English whisky production that would last for nearly a century.

The revival of English whisky began in the early 21st century with the opening of the St. George's Distillery in Norfolk in 2006. This marked the first time in over 100 years that whisky was being distilled in England. Since then, several other distilleries have opened across the country, contributing to a burgeoning English whisky industry.

Production

English whisky is produced in a manner similar to other types of whisky. The process involves the distillation of a fermented grain mash, typically made from barley, in a pot still. The distilled spirit is then aged in oak casks for a period of time. The ageing process is what gives whisky its distinct flavor and character.

While English whisky is made in a similar fashion to Scotch whisky, there are some key differences. English whisky distilleries are not bound by the same regulations as their Scottish counterparts, allowing for more experimentation in the production process. This has led to a diverse range of English whiskies, with flavors and styles varying greatly from distillery to distillery.

Styles

There are several styles of English whisky, reflecting the diversity of the country's whisky industry. These include single malt, single grain, and blended whiskies.

Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and produced at a single distillery. Single grain whisky, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grains and is also produced at a single distillery. Blended whisky is a mix of different types of whiskies from multiple distilleries.

Notable Distilleries

There are several notable distilleries producing English whisky. These include the St. George's Distillery in Norfolk, the Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, and the Bimber Distillery in London. Each of these distilleries has its own unique approach to whisky production, contributing to the diverse range of English whiskies available on the market.

See Also

• Scotch whisky
• Irish whiskey
• American whiskey
• Japanese whisky