The English Whisky Guild has announced the launch of the first English Whisky Week. Running now, from 19–27 April, the week spotlights English whisky.
It falls during an interesting time for the spirit — the English Whisky Guild is currently seeking a geographical indication for English whisky, while facing opposition from the Scotch Whisky Association, who are querying the parameters suggested for ‘English single malt’.
During English Whisky Week, distilleries across the country are opening their doors, running promotions, and more in celebration of their whisky. To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting five English whiskies from our blind tastings, to illustrate the range of flavours bottled across the nation within the young category.
Cooper King Distillery, First Edition Fruit + Spice
Single malt | 48.1% ABV | No age statement
This whisky was Cooper King Distillery’s inaugural release. Launched in 2023 by the York-based distillery, First Edition Fruit + Spice was matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon, refill sherry, ex-red wine, and ex-Cognac casks for its titular fruity and spicy profile.
Reviewing the whisky for issue 198, Bethany Whymark highlighted the whisky’s “lovely flavours and balance”, with notes including French toast, vanilla custard, milky coffee, and citrus peel.
The Heart Cut, #06 Cotswolds Distillery
Single malt | 54.3% ABV | 5 Years Old
This expression is a collaboration between London-based independent bottler the Heart Cut and the Cotswolds Distillery, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary. This bottling is drawn from a single new American oak cask — the required wood for a bourbon, but a rare maturation choice for the Cotswolds Distillery, which ages its flagship 'Signature' whisky in STR and ex-bourbon casks.
Alwynne Gwilt described this whisky as "a sweet little dram, with loads going on" in issue 204, giving tasting notes of freshly shaved wood, blackcurrant, and honey.
The Lakes, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No 7
Single malt | 52% ABV | No age statement
The Lakes Distillery’s Whiskymaker’s Reserve series ended in 2024 with its seventh expression. The series has a storied history; the Whiskymaker’s Reserve No 4 was the first English whisky to win World’s Best Single Malt in the World Whiskies Awards, a title it took in 2022. English whisky took the prize again in 2024, this time through the English Distillery’s Sherry Cask.
Tasting the Whiskymaker's Reserve No 7 for issue 194, Bethany described "orchard fruit notes of pear, plum, and apricot", which reflect the whisky's sherry and red wine cask maturation.
Filey Bay, Porter Cask
Single malt | 50% ABV | No age statement
Made by Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Filey Bay whisky is named for the North Yorkshire coastal area that lies near the distillery's Hunmanby home. This release was matured in casks that previously held porter made at the distillery's sister brewery in a cask exchange.
In issue 202, Alwynne described this as "a beautiful, elegant whisky, with really complex notes" that included "so much fruit", nutmeg, and marzipan.
Wire Works, Caduro
Single malt | 46.8% ABV | No age statement
Wire Works is the brand produced by Derbyshire's White Peak Distillery. This Caduro expression was first released in 2023, and has been matured in bourbon and STR (stripped, toasted, re-charred) casks.
In issue 206, Bradley Weir called this “a fruity delight”, with notes of foam banana sweets, raspberries, cherries, and strawberries.
For more information about the English Whisky Week, visit www.englishwhiskyweek.com.
