Original lies at the heart of the single malt whisky range from The English Distillery, England’s first single malt distillery. Original is an unpeated spirit that is matured in ex-bourbon casks. It sits alongside a The English Smokey variant and a sherry cask matured whisky with the core range.
The English Distillery based in Norfolk became England’s first single malt distillery when the first spirit came off their stills in autumn 2006. It was England’s first whisky distillery in over 100 years. The distillery was originally named “St. George’s Distillery” but due to trademarking issues has since been renamed “The English Whisky Distillery” and the brand’s look is based on the distillery building and surrounding agricultural area.
The distillery was founded by James Nelstrop as the culmination of a lifelong dream. He was born into a farming family and what followed was an innovative life in farming and business which took him to New South Wales, Australia then back to Norfolk to buy a farm in 1976. The plan was initially to build a small distillery in Suffolk but UK minimum size requirement for distilleries of 1800 litres delayed this until the decision was taken to build this larger distillery in Norfolk. James alongside son Andrew, who is now company chairman, secured the support of Iain Henderson, a noted distiller formerly of Laphroaig, to lead the distillation of the first whisky.
The English Distillery is unique that they ship whole bourbon casks direct from Kentucky. This allows the casks to maintain their integrity and retain a degree of moisture in the oak. In turn this means that colour and flavour is imparted to the malted spirit quicker than it would from ‘traditional’ casks which are shipped to the UK as staves then rebuilt into casks for filling.
Fun fact: The English Distillery bought the second set of whisky stills in England. The first was due to go to The Lakes Distillery but that never happened. The English Distillery, unaware of the delay with the first set of stills, raced to try to be the first registered distillery. As a result the first distillations happened without any doors or windows on their still house building meaning that members of the family initially had to sleep on site to protect from burglars.
The English Original is bottled at 43% ABV. Available direct from the distillery and from most quality specialist retailers for just under £50.
Our Tasting Notes
This golden yellow whisky is sweet and malty. On the nose it is earthly malty and biscuity. There is plenty of red apples and green grass plus oat cookies and milk chocolate. An intriguing creaminess is also present, like coconut cream.
To taste the malt, oat cookies and milk chocolate appear upfront alongside vanilla ice cream. Fruitiness comes in the form of baked apple, fresh apricot and a hint of dried banana. There are earthy straw and hay elements alongside hazelnut and desiccated coconut. Finally comes a dusting of cocoa powder. The finish is, of course, malty but also introduces a peppery gingerbread warmth.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a wonderfully easy drinking whisky. While definitely not the oldest whisky out there as it has a youthful freshness. there is plenty of bourbon cask influence. As the standard bearer of English single malt, there is plenty of heritage and this release hints at this. Following plenty of single batch releases from the distillery, it is really nice to see a consistent core range whisky. And it offers high quality without a crazy price tag. A great way to explore English whisky.
