The English Whisky Co. Distiller’s Elect 2012
70cl / 46%
£99.00
- Cask type: Rum
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: England
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Meadow Flowers, Orange Zest, Chocolate and Ginger
Sherry, Dates, Citrus and Herbs
Medium Finish, Lime, Herbs and Ginger
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- Identity & Provenance
Produced by The English Whisky Company at St George’s Distillery in Norfolk, this limited‑edition single malt marked a milestone in the revival of English whisky. St George’s, founded in 2006, was the first registered distillery in England in over a century. The Distiller’s Elect release was created in small batches to showcase the distillery’s house character—clean malt spirit layered with gentle oak and subtle smoke.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the expression was primarily sold through the distillery itself, emphasising craftsmanship and individuality rather than mass distribution.
- Distillery Significance
The English Whisky Company is credited with pioneering the modern English single‑malt movement. By combining traditional Scottish techniques with Norfolk’s local barley and pure Breckland water, it established a new terroir for whisky production south of Scotland. The Distiller’s Elect bottling captures that early ambition—England reclaiming a place on the whisky map.
- Production & Maturation
- Raw Material – Locally malted barley, distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills.
- Cask Type – Primarily oak hogsheads and bourbon barrels, chosen for balanced wood influence. Some batches show gentle peat integration from lightly smoked malt.
- Bottling Strength – 46% ABV, non‑chill‑filtered to retain natural texture and flavour.
- Maturation Climate – Cool maritime‑influenced Norfolk air encourages even aging and mild oxidation.
- Tasting Analysis
Appearance: Pale gold with light legs, suggesting youthful vitality.
Nose: Fresh orchard fruits, soft toffee, lemon zest, and hints of meadow smoke and cut straw. Underlying notes of vanilla and toasted oak.
Palate: Balanced sweetness of caramel and vanilla fudge followed by herbal smoke and citrus brightness. The oak builds gradually, bringing structure and dryness.
Finish: Medium length, gently smoky with lingering oak spice and citrus peel.
Expert Impression: Distiller’s Elect expresses a confident, modern English character—bright, malty, and clean, with craftsmanship outweighing age. The oak influence can be assertive, but when given time to breathe or a few drops of water, the whisky opens beautifully. It stands as proof that English single malt can compete on quality while retaining its own voice.
- Investment & Collectability
Limited distillery bottlings like this hold growing appeal as the English whisky category matures. Collectors value early releases from St George’s for their historical significance—the genesis of a national revival. While not yet commanding the prices of Japanese or Scotch rarities, appreciation potential remains strong as the category gains international recognition.
