The English Whisky Chapter 14 – Non Peated – 2010
70cl / 58.8%
£99.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: England
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
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A pioneering, 5-year-old non-peated English single malt, demonstrating the rich, fruit-driven house style of St. George's Distillery from a specific 2010 vintage.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | St. George's Distillery (The English Whisky Co.) / England, Norfolk |
| Category | English Single Malt Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 5 Years Old / 2010 / February 2016 8 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 46% ABV (Standard) or 58.8% ABV (Cask Strength) / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | American Oak Bourbon Casks (e.g., Casks 26, 27, 28, 29, or 582-585) |
| Natural Colour | No Colouring 10 |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Non-Chill-Filtered 10 |
| Cask Strength | Yes, a highly limited variant is Cask Strength (58.8%) 10 |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 199 bottles (for the 58.8% CS variant) |
| Intended channel | Specialist Retail / Limited Release |
| Packaging | Standard English Whisky Co. bottle and tube/box (typically) |
| Notes on discrepancies | Chapter 14 covers two significantly different ABVs (46% and 58.8%), which were often drawn from separate, but sequential, bourbon barrels, requiring careful buyer verification. |
Historical Context
St. George's Distillery, operating as The English Whisky Co., holds a crucial position in the modern development of world whisky, being the first operational English distillery in over a century.8 Established in 2006, its commitment to producing quality single malt marks it as a true pioneer.
The 'Chapter' series, released by the distillery, serves as a chronological document of the liquid’s evolution during its formative years. Chapter 14 represents an important early snapshot of the house style, focusing specifically on the unadulterated interaction between the new spirit and active American Oak casks.9 This expression is a 5-year-old single malt, distilled in 2010, and subsequently bottled around February 2016.8 The whisky derived from bourbon barrels, such as Cask Nos. 26–29 for one batch, or 582–585 for the limited Cask Strength version.
The decision to release a non-peated spirit after only five years of maturation, exclusively utilizing American Oak Bourbon casks, signals a deliberate production philosophy. This approach is characteristic of "new world" whiskies, where active casks are employed to rapidly introduce complex flavours. The resulting profile—characterized by intense vanilla, crème brulee, and orchard fruit notes 12—confirms the effectiveness of this accelerated maturation strategy, demonstrating that the producer prioritizes spirit-to-cask synergy over adhering to traditional, extended age statements.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented variants
The designation "Chapter 14" covers distinct technical variants. The most common release is bottled at a standard 46% ABV.8 However, the highly collectible Cask Strength variant is bottled at 58.8% ABV, drawn from similar bourbon stock.10 The 58.8% Cask Strength version had a documented, highly restricted outturn of only 199 bottles, drawn from four consecutive Bourbon barrels, Casks 582, 583, 584, and 585.9 It should also be noted that the "Chapter 14" naming convention has been applied to both 2009 and 2010 vintages.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 46% | 70cl | UK/EU | Standard Chapter 14 release, Batched | Moderate (Accessible, wider distribution) |
| 58.8% | 70cl | UK Limited Edition | Cask Strength, 2010 Vintage, 199 bottles outturn | High (Technical scarcity, RRP-driven) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist
Given the existence of both 46% and 58.8% ABV versions under the same Chapter 14 designation, accurate verification of the specific bottling is mandatory. For the highly scarce Cask Strength (58.8%) variant, buyers must confirm the ABV displayed on the label, which should also reference the specific bottle number (out of 199) and the matching cask numbers (e.g., 582–585). The distillery maintains high standards of transparency, with labels clearly confirming the vintage (2010), age (5 Year Old), and its non-peated character.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes
The English Whisky Co. frequently employs terms that indicate quality preservation. The liquid is consistently stated to be Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF) and carries No Colouring.10 These are critical quality indicators favored by connoisseurs, ensuring the maximum flavour and textural components derived from the cask are retained, which is particularly vital for a youthful, high-proof Cask Strength release.
Liquid Profile
Nose: The nose is characterized by the forward presence of orchard fruits, specifically apple and pear, alongside rich vanilla notes and a waxy character suggestive of beeswax.12 Underlying these characteristics are fresh cereal notes and subtle traces of dried fruits and oranges.
Palate: The palate is fresh and notably lively. The initial intensity of the orchard fruits recedes slightly, giving way to nuances of baked goods, including tea biscuits and lemon sponge cake.12 The core flavour profile is creamy, featuring Crème Brulee and ripe summer fruits, leading to a smooth, easy-drinking character.
Finish: For the Cask Strength variant, the profile concludes with a sensation of "warm alcohols" followed by a long, clean, and definitively dry finish.
Pricing & Market Dynamics
Original RRP (GBP): £99.00 (Confirmed for the 58.8% Cask Strength variant).
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): The 58.8% Cask Strength variant is extremely scarce in primary retail, with secondary listings likely commanding £150–£200+.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Auction performance has shown notable volatility, particularly a documented hammer price of £40.00 for a 58.8% Cask Strength example.
Pricing stratification: The Cask Strength (58.8% ABV) version is fundamentally more valuable due to its higher RRP and extremely limited outturn of 199 bottles.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low due to the limited bottle count of the Cask Strength release. The substantial discrepancy between the £99 RRP and the occasional low hammer price of £40 suggests that scarcity alone is not yet driving a robust secondary market valuation for this producer's earlier Chapter releases. This volatility presents a high-margin opportunity for patient buyers who anticipate future appreciation as the broader reputation of English whisky matures.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Original RRP | Not stated | 58.8% ABV, 70cl | £99.00 | Official primary pricing for CS variant |
| Auction (Hammer) | 11 Jun 2023 | 58.8% ABV, 70cl | £40.00 | Auction realization significantly below RRP |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
St. George's Distillery, located in Norfolk, is celebrated for its pioneering status and commitment to innovation within the UK whisky scene. The distillery operates on a small-batch basis, with a dedicated focus on producing clean, unpeated spirit that is designed to interact intensely with high-quality casks. Its non-peated style, coupled with the rapid, flavour-rich maturation derived from bourbon casks, defines its distinct house character and its role as a key contributor to the emerging category of English single malt whisky.
Sourcing
The focus for acquisition should be the scarce 58.8% Cask Strength variant, leveraging the current market inefficiency where auction hammer prices are significantly depressed relative to the initial retail premium and technical scarcity. Buyers should confirm the bottle number and cask details to avoid confusion with the more plentiful 46% ABV version. This item offers a compelling long-term hold proposition with strong potential for retail margin growth, assuming future consolidation of the English whisky market.
