The rise of English whisky: 5 must-try bottles that rival the Scots
In case you missed it, English whisky is on the rise. It’s in the process of attaining a shiny new GI (Geographical Indication) – causing a stir north of the border.
As we recently explored in our article Why the Uproar?, English whisky isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a full-on movement. While the conversation has been tense and stirred much debate, what’s gotten slightly lost in all the furore is how much great single malt whisky is being made in England.
From sherry bombs to peat smoke and everything in between, here are five English single malt whiskies that give the Scots a proper run for their money:
5 must-try bottles that rival the Scots
The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7
This is the final flourish in The Lakes’ much-loved Whiskymaker’s Reserve series, and it has gone out with a bang. No.7 delivers a bold blend of oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, using both Spanish and American oak. Expect big, brooding sherry character, complex spice, and that hallmark Lakes texture in a single malt bottled at a robust 52% ABV without additional colour or chill-filtration. Sad to see it go, thrilled to drink it.
Wire Works Bourbon Barrel Whisky
From Derbyshire’s White Peak distillery comes a lightly peated single malt matured in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. Expect custard creams, zesty citrus, creamy chocolate, and a warming ginger glow – all cranked up at 53.4% ABV. This is the perfect representation of Wire Work’s distillery character from a producer that’s finding its stride.
Masthouse Single Malt (Double Pot Distilled) Whisky
Masthouse is a whisky with a rulebook – literally. It’s made under the distillery’s own Invicta Whisky Charter, which sets strict production standards. Crafted from Kentish barley and aged in a combo of bourbon and virgin American oak, this single malt is all about precision and provenance. A polished, promising dram from the Copper Rivet team in Chatham.
Filey Bay Moscatel Finish (Batch 4) Whisky
From the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery, this was the first Filey Bay release finished in Moscatel casks – and each batch has held up beautifully. Aged initially in bourbon barrels, then finished in Spanish hogsheads, it’s brimming with soft fruit, floral elegance, and sun-soaked sweetness. Beach whisky done right.
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky
The whisky that started it all for the Cotswolds Distillery – and the first ever single malt from the region. It’s made with locally grown barley that’s given a long fermentation, before being distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills and aged in a mix of bourbon and red wine casks. The process is considered and comprehensive, and all about generating a richly fruity, malty, complex whisky full of heart. It’s already a modern English classic.
The Last Drop: The rise of English whisky
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