Experience English Whisky

English Whisky on the rise

English whisky has been making waves in the whisky world in recent years, winning numerous awards and accolades. There are now over 70 distilleries in England currently producing whisky, with about half having bottles already available on UK shelves.

The English Whisky Guild forecasts that there are over 50,000 maturing casks with a value of over £1 billion.

  • What is English Whisky?
  • How does English Whisky differ?

Filey Bay Flagship English Whisky - Digital Distiller

What is English Whisky?

As of September 2026, there is an official definition of English Whisky. The English Whisky Guild applied for a Geographical Indication in order to establish a legal definition and this was granted by DEFRA on the 11th September 2026.

The approved rules that limit who can call their whisky 'English Whisky' are as follows:

  • must be made from UK cereal grain and English water.
  • must be distilled in England from wort created in England
  • must be matured in England for at least three years in wood
  • must not be sweetened or have additives
  • Alcoholic strength should be at least 40%

English whisky producers are able to create a wide range of unique and flavoursome whiskies that are not possible to produce in Scotland. This diversity is one of the things that makes English whisky so exciting and interesting.

How does English Whisky differ?

English whisky producers are free from a number of restrictions that exist for Scottish distilleries.

  • Freedom to use any type of cask
    Scottish whisky must be aged for at least three years in oak casks which have previously been used to mature sherry, bourbon, or other spirits. English whisky producers, on the other hand, can use any type of cask they choose, including virgin oak, wine casks, even beer casks. Distillers can also choose other woods than oak, such as maple, chestnut or cherry.
  • Freedom to use any type of grain
    Scottish whisky must be made from at least 51% malted barley. English whisky producers can use any type of grain they choose, including unmalted barley, wheat, corn, and rye.
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Innovation is flourishing

Cask experimentation: English whisky producers are experimenting with a wide range of cask types, including virgin oak, wine casks, and even beer casks. This is producing a fresh range of new and exciting flavour profiles.

Grain experimentation: English whisky producers are also working with a broad mix of grains, including unmalted barley, wheat, corn, and rye. This can often result in whiskies that taste quite different from Scottish whisky.

The English - Smokey Whisky - Digital Distiller

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English Whisky Subscription Benefits

Our whisky subscription is designed to give you access to the best whiskies that England has to offer. In each delivery, you'll receive a different full size (70cl) bottle of English whisky that has been carefully selected for its quality, flavour, and rarity. You'll enjoy whiskies from a variety of distilleries, including established names and up-and-coming producers.

Filey Bay Flagship English Whisky - Digital Distiller