The English Whisky Queen’s 90th – 2016
70cl / 46%
£349.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: England
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
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A limited-edition English Single Malt from The English Whisky Co., commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | The English Whisky Co. (The English Distillery) / England (Norfolk) |
| Category | Single Malt English Whisky (Commemorative) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No Age Statement (NAS) / Bottled 2016 / Vatted from various casks |
| ABV & Size(s) | 46% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Vatted from a selection of Oak Casks / Not stated by the producer. |
| Natural Colour | Yes |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Yes |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 480 Bottles |
| Intended channel | Specialist Collector Market / Limited Retail |
| Packaging | Distinctive glass bottle, commemorative label (Long Live the Queen), presented in a cardboard tube. |
| Notes on discrepancies | This is the sixth bottling in the distillery's Royal Range. The liquid is a blend of different casks (a vatted single malt), but the specific age and cask types are proprietary and not disclosed. |
Historical Context
The English Whisky Co., operating as The English Distillery in Norfolk, was the first English distillery in over a century when it started distilling in 2006. It has pioneered the modern English whisky movement. The distillery is known for its "Royal Range," a series of highly limited, commemorative bottlings released to mark significant royal events.
The Queen's 90th - 2016 bottling was created by Master Distiller David Fitt to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday. The small outturn of 480 bottles and the specific commemorative theme ensure its status as a collector's item. This release is a vatted single malt from a selection of the distillery's casks, showcasing the classic, often slightly fruity, and clean house style of the English Whisky Co. The bottling year of 2016 means the liquid is at least 3 years old, and likely much older, given the time elapsed since the distillery began production in 2006.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This is a Single Malt English Whisky, bottled at a robust 46% ABV. The Master Distiller selected a blend of whiskies from various oak casks to create the flavour profile. Crucially, the distillery confirms it is Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour, adhering to the principles of high-quality craft whisky production. The small outturn of 480 bottles makes this a rare, non-repeatable batch. The only variant is the bottle number.
Documented variants
- 46% ABV, 70cl volume, Bottled 2016, 480 bottle outturn. No other variants of this specific bottling exist.
- It is part of a larger 'Royal Range' which includes other commemorative royal bottlings (e.g., Platinum Jubilee, Coronation).
Packaging & authenticity checklist
- Capsule/Closure: A branded foil capsule over a cork stopper.
- Seals/Crests: The label prominently features the commemorative text and the phrase "Long live the Queen." The bottle number (out of 480) is essential for authenticity.
- Common Pitfalls: Confusion with other, less rare bottlings in the Royal Range. The 90th birthday label is unique to this 2016 release.
Regulatory/terminology notes
This is an English Single Malt Whisky, adhering to the UK laws requiring a minimum of three years' maturation in oak casks. The bottling at 46% ABV, coupled with the NCF and Natural Colour statements, indicates a commitment to quality over mass-market consistency.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Sweet, malty, and fruity, with notes of vanilla, light honey, dried grass, and delicate citrus.
Palate: Smooth and well-rounded, with a core of sweet barley, vanilla cream, and soft oak spice. A clean and approachable character, typical of the distillery's early profile.
Finish: Medium length, sweet and slightly drying, with lingering malt and a touch of ginger spice.
With water: Water is generally unnecessary at 46% ABV but will soften the profile slightly, perhaps bringing out more floral notes.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (Highly likely around £100 - £150.)
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £199.00 - £399.95 (Wide variation across retailers, indicating high demand and scarcity.)
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer):
- £70.00 (Auction hammer, Late 2024, likely low bid or poor condition)
- £120.00 (Auction hammer, similar Royal Range bottling, late 2024)Pricing stratification: Price is driven primarily by its scarcity (480 bottles) and its commemorative nature. Retail prices are significantly higher than auction hammer prices, suggesting a high reserve price or a slow velocity at the top end of the retail market.
FX note: No conversion used.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Low liquidity. Bottles are rare and highly sought after by collectors of English whisky and royal memorabilia. Velocity is inconsistent but high when listed appropriately.
