Wire Works Bourbon Barrel Single Malt Whisky: White Peak's Purest Expression
Best English Whisky Winner | Oldest White Peak release (6+ years) | Pure ex-bourbon maturation | 53.4% ABV | Reveals true distillery character
Key Product Information
- Distillery: White Peak, Ambergate, Derbyshire
- Region: Derbyshire, England
- Type: English Single Malt Whisky
- ABV: 53.4% (106.8 proof)
- Volume: 70cl (700ml)
- Cask: First-fill ex-bourbon barrels exclusively
- Barrel Source: Heaven Hill Distillery, Kentucky
- Character: Lightly peated
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered
- Natural colour: Yes
- Awards: Best English Whisky & Best English Distillery
- Age: 6+ years (oldest White Peak release)
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vanilla cheesecake and white chocolate lead, followed by fruit salad sweets and lemon curd. Candied ginger, peaches and cream with a gentle wisp of smoke underneath.
Palate
Custard creams and lemon zest with icing sugar sweetness. Chocolate covered peanuts, honey, and gingerbread. Rich texture showcases the pure bourbon barrel influence.
Finish
Apple crumble and Murray Mints with lime pickle complexity. White pepper warmth and vanilla custard creaminess. Long, satisfying finish at 53.4% strength.
What Makes Wire Works Bourbon Barrel Special
- Purest Expression: Exclusively ex-bourbon cask maturation reveals true White Peak distillery character without influence from other wood types
- Oldest Release: 6+ years maturation makes this White Peak's most mature whisky, showcasing how their spirit develops with time
- Premium Barrels: First-fill ex-bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill Distillery delivered door-to-door ensure maximum flavour extraction
- Local Provenance: Fresh brewer's yeast from Thornbridge Brewery contributes unique Peak District character
- Award Recognition: Winner of Best English Whisky proves exceptional quality in competitive field
- Cask Strength Power: 53.4% ABV provides intensity while remaining approachable with water
Perfect For
Whisky Enthusiasts Who Enjoy:
- Higher strength single malts
- Pure bourbon cask expressions
- True distillery character
- Award-winning English whisky
- Mature, developed flavours
Occasions:
- Celebrating English whisky excellence
- Serious whisky appreciation
- Collector's showcase pieces
- Special celebration gifts
- Evening contemplative sipping
How to Enjoy Wire Works Bourbon Barrel
Neat
Serve at room temperature in a Glencairn glass. The 53.4% strength rewards careful sipping to appreciate the complex vanilla and spice interplay.
With Water
A splash of spring water unlocks hidden complexity and makes the strength more approachable while maintaining the bourbon barrel character.
Food Pairing
Exceptional with vanilla desserts, caramelised pork, mature cheeses, or dark chocolate. The bourbon influence pairs beautifully with rich, sweet flavours.
About White Peak Distillery
Founded in 2016 by Max and Claire Vaughan at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ambergate, Derbyshire, White Peak Distillery has rapidly established itself as a leader in English whisky. Operating from the historic Johnson & Nephew Wire Works factory by the River Derwent, the distillery emphasises authentic Derbyshire provenance. After over six years of whisky-making, Wire Works Bourbon Barrel represents their confidence in revealing their true house style. Every aspect of production, from the unique yeast from local Thornbridge Brewery to slow distillation, contributes to creating their distinctive spirit character.
Understanding English Whisky
English whisky continues its remarkable growth, with over 60 active distilleries now producing exceptional single malts across England. Ex-bourbon maturation is considered the purest test of a distillery's character, as the relatively inactive casks allow the spirit itself to shine. Wire Works Bourbon Barrel represents this philosophy perfectly, showcasing how English distillers can create expressions that rival traditional whisky regions while developing their own unique identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Wire Works Bourbon Barrel considered White Peak's purest expression?
A: Using exclusively first-fill ex-bourbon barrels allows the distillery's true character to shine without influence from wine casks or other wood types. This reveals the impact of their unique yeast, fermentation, and distillation processes.
Q: Is Wire Works Bourbon Barrel suitable for beginners to whisky?
A: At 53.4% ABV, Wire Works Bourbon Barrel is better suited to experienced whisky drinkers. However, with a splash of water, it becomes more approachable while maintaining its complexity.
Q: How does Wire Works Bourbon Barrel compare to American bourbon?
A: While matured in bourbon barrels, Wire Works Bourbon Barrel is distinctly English. It's lighter and more delicate than bourbon, with prominent vanilla and fruit notes rather than corn sweetness and oak power.
Q: What makes the Heaven Hill barrels special?
A: These first-fill ex-bourbon barrels come directly from Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky, delivered door-to-door to ensure freshness. Being first-fill means maximum flavour extraction from the charred American oak.
Q: Should I add water to Wire Works Bourbon Barrel?
A: Yes, a dash of spring water is recommended to unlock the whisky's full potential. The 53.4% strength benefits from slight dilution to reveal hidden complexity and reduce any heat.
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