This limited edition is the first ever unpeated single malt to be released by the English distillery of White Peak. It has been made using a heritage variety of barley called Chevallier. This was grown and commercially popular in England from the 1820s until the 1920s, and was significantly used in the brewing industry. The spirit has been matured exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
The White Peak distillery was founded in 2017 by Max and Claire Vaughan. It is located in the village of Ambergate near Matlock, Derbyshire in the Peak District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The distillery is housed within the former Johnson & Nephew copper wire factory on the banks of the River Derwent. This was the inspiration behind the name of Wire Works for the brand. The inaugural whisky release appeared in February 2022.
White Peak also produce rum and gin, as well as supporting the local community in eco-friendly and sustainability projects. It was Derbyshire’s first ever craft whisky distillery and White Peak is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild.
The Wire Works Heritage Chevallier is bottled at 57.3% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. There are just 999 bottles. These are available now from the White Peak website until sold out. A bottle will cost £79.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright pale gold and the nose is sweet, honeyed and malty. Vibrant aromas of vanilla pod, creamed coconut and cocoa powder are complimented by heather honey, tart green apple, white chocolate and a hint of ripe apricot. A distinct maltiness adds plenty of structure and gives an underlying robust biscuit-like quality.
On the palate this whisky feels luscious, velvety and creamy despite the high ABV. The heather honey note rises first and dominates throughout and is quickly joined by further notes of milk chocolate and lemon meringue pie. There are also notes of vanilla patisserie custard, dessicated coconut and icing sugar. That hint of ripe apricot and green apple are also evident again.
The robust malt adds grip and complexity to the mouth feel. It has an earthy, almost grassy vibe and is reminiscent of malty biscuits and flapjack. a pinch of cocoa powder and some evolving oak and baking spices seem to accentuate the malt characteristic further. The oak has a freshly sawn, almost pencil shaving quality, while the spices add warmth – think of gingerbread, cinnamon and white pepper here.
The finish is deliciously long with the malt, oak and spice drawing things out superbly. The fruit fades first, then the honeyed sweetness. This allows the maltiness to shine, which is nicely accompanied by some fresh gingerbread and pinches of cinnamon, clove and white pepper.
What’s The Verdict?
Another fine single malt from Derbyshire’s finest. We love what White Peak are doing and some of their Wire Works releases are exceptional. This is highlighted in the number of prestigious awards that they continue to win. This whisky follows a similar track – we like the use of pure bourbon casks as it gives a spirit no hiding place. We also like the use of heritage cereal varieties here, something which other English brands such as Fielden have done so well in recent times. Delicious.
