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The Best English Whisky to Buy in 2023, According to the Experts
Thought the only way was Scotch? Think again. These are the homegrown drams your bar cart deserves
Though Scotland and Ireland pip England to the post when it comes to whisky-producing pedigree, there’s no disputing that English whisky is beginning to make waves on the global stage, too.
From the Cotswolds to Cumbria, new English whisky distilleries are popping up across the country every year, producing some seriously special drams worth getting to know.
Best English whiskies to buy in 2023
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Best cask strength English whisky
English Whisky Co. Single Cask Release Malt Amathus Selection
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What does English whisky taste like?
While many English whiskies take their inspiration from the time-honoured traditions of Scotch whisky, avant-garde artisan distilleries have been keen to distinguish their own styles.
For this reason, you’ll find plenty of English-born drams to satisfy your palate, whether you like your whisky to veer sweet (vanilla, oats, raisins, peach, apricot), savoury (rye bread, herbs), spicy (cooking spices, pepper, gingerbread, citrus peel) or smoky (oak, peat, leather).
How we test English whisky
We tasked a panel consisting of whisky experts and consumers, to taste each English whisky blind and neat, before adding a light dash of water to allow the core aromatics to shine through.
These are the seven drams that ticked all their boxes, whether you’re seeking a bottle to sip or shake into whisky-based cocktails.
Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Red Red Rye Heritage Grains Batch 5
Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Red Red Rye Heritage Grains Batch 5
Red Red Rye is the fifth release from Oxford Rye Whisky — and in our opinion, it’s the best to date. Not for the faint-hearted, it combines locally grown grains which enjoy a three-stage ageing process in virgin American oak, followed by sherry casks, and finally, vintage port barriques. Undoubtedly the smoothest dram on test, it delivers a complex palate of raisins, burnt toffee apple, pine and a vibrant rye spice that lingers long after sipping.
70cl, 46.4%
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Edition Infinity
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Edition Infinity
Matured in a combination of oloroso, fino, palo cortado and manzanilla sherry casks, this whisky — distilled in the heart of the English Lake District — is as complex as they come, bringing oak, sea salt, vanilla, treacle and cooking spices to the palate party. The long finish adds a whiff of menthol for a truly memorable dram that no self-confessed whisky connoisseur should be without. But be quick if you want to add a bottle to your bar cart, this is an extremely limited release.
70cl, 52%
Bimber Apogee XII
Bimber Apogee XII
Bimber takes a blend of malt whiskies sourced from across Scotland, before ageing in their West London distillery. The resulting drop is exceptional, delivering aromas of wildflower honey, ginger nut biscuits and a good thwack of bittersweet citrus to finish. Dangerously drinkable and an excellent introduction to the new world of English whisky.
70cl, 46.3%
East London Liquor Company London Rye Whisky 2022
East London Liquor Company London Rye Whisky 2022
Crafted using a killer combination of rye and malted barley, East London Liquor Co has pulled it out of the bag with their debut dram. It sits on the sweeter end of the spectrum — with maple syrup, vanilla bean and popcorn aromas all vying for attention — but is well-balanced with a hint of peppery heat you’d expect from a rye. Enjoy neat or, do as our expert panel suggest, and use it to bring an indulgent edge to your favourite whisky-based cocktail.
70cl, 47%
English Whisky Co. Single Cask Release Malt Amathus Selection
English Whisky Co. Single Cask Release Malt Amathus Selection
As England’s first whisky distillery in over a century, we have this Norfolk-based distillery to thank for the recent resurgence in homegrown drams. Bottled at cask strength, this single release doesn’t shy away from heavy peat (62ppm if you’re into your whisky stats; in short, the higher the PPM – or parts per million phenol – the peatier the whisky will taste), with a palate dominated by wood smoke, leather and a hint of maple sweetness. One for whisky veterans seeking a bold, late-night sipper.
70cl, 57.1%
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky
Given we’re never without a bottle of Cotswolds Gin on our bar cart, we had high expectations for the distillery’s debut single malt whisky — and it delivered. Cotswolds barley is first distilled in copper pot stills, before being aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and red wine casks. On the palate, there’s creamy butterscotch and oat (liquid flapjack, if you will) and a light floral lift that had our panel going back for more. And more.
70cl, 46%
Sacred Peated English Whisky
Sacred Peated English Whisky
If you normally gravitate towards lighter Islay-style whiskies, then this moreish English malt from Sacred Spirits will be a sure-fire showstopper. Finished in retired pedro ximenez sherry casks, our panel loved the pronounced peat smoke at the fore and moreish caramel aspect, which builds to a crescendo of rich Christmas cake and clove spicing on the finish.
70cl, 48%
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