Special Waters is an experimental release from the English single malt distillery of White Peak. It is inspired by the practice of ‘petite eaux’ (which translates as ‘small waters’ from French). This is sometimes used in Cognac and Armagnac production in France. Casks are deliberately filled at a lower diluted strength and left to mature. These are then married with full strength spirit, rather than using water., to determine the bottling strength. The low alcohol waters extract flavours from the oak cask that are not accessible with higher strength alcohol.
Following several trials of the petite eaux method, which started in 2021 and are not allowed in Scotch whisky by law, Special Waters has been born. It is an evolution of the distillery’s refreshingly innovative approach to whisky making. This sees them experimenting with flavour through using different yeast and barley strains, cut points on the still, cask filling strengths and oak types.
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. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The distillery is housed in the former Johnson & Nephew copper wire and cable factory on the banks of the River Derwent. This was the inspiration behind the name of Wire Works for the brand. It was Derbyshire’s first ever craft whisky distillery. White Peak is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild.
The Wire Works Special Waters is released at 57.3% ABV and there are just 393 bottles. For this the low strength ‘petites eaux’ spirits were matured in re-fill STR (shaved, toasted and recharred) and ex-bourbon casks. It is released as both non-chill filtered and natural colour. A bottle will cost £90.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep chestnut brown and the nose is rich with plenty of fruit, nuts and woody spice. Aromas of milk chocolate and malty biscuits lead the way, with some fresh apricot and caramelised apple underneath. Some sultana and brazil nut are also evident, along with a hint of orange oil and cocoa powder. A whiff of smoke rounds things off.
On the palate this whisky is bold, full-bodied and peppery. The depth and complexity on show is great. Notes of fruit and nut milk chocolate mingle with malted biscuits and flapjack. Further to this, toasted almond and creamy brazil nut are detected. These sit alongside some bitter orange marmalade and the caramelised apple from the nose.
The Wire works signature peat smoke wisps and wraps itself around everything and holds them together. This has an earthy and ash-like quality with a hint of burnt dried heather. The level of smoke is cleverly done. A hint of menthol and eucalyptus evolves towards the end. The apricot from the nose also puts in a brief appearance, as does some cocoa powder and a distinct mocha-like vibe.
The finish is long with the smoke and some peppery spice helping to draw it out. The sweet and fruity elements slowly fade, while the creamy nutty quality lingers slightly longer. Then the smoke becomes more acrid and drying right at the end, which is exaggerated by a pinch of white pepper.
What’s The Verdict?
We have long been fans of what White Peak are doing and this bottling solidifies that thought. Special Waters is exceptionally good and has an incredible depth and complexity of flavour. We can only imagine that this comes from the ‘petite eaux’ technique that they have used. It is pleasing to hear that their experiments with that are ongoing. We also hope that this limited edition leads to a bigger batch release, as this was largely sold out by the time of our review. Definitely a contender for our Top 10 Whiskies of the Year list.
