The Rise of English Whisky: A New Chapter in the World of Whisky

For centuries, whisky has been synonymous with Scotland, Ireland, and, more recently. But a quiet revolution is brewing closer to home – one that’s rewriting expectations and breathing fresh life into a centuries-old spirit. Welcome to the age of English whisky.

Once dismissed as a curiosity or niche experiment, English whisky is now commanding serious attention from connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Witchmark Distillery is pleased to be amongst over 40 distilleries now producing or maturing whisky across England – including heritage-inspired producers and bold, contemporary trailblazers – the English whisky renaissance is here, and it’s making waves.

A Return to Roots

Although whisky production in England largely disappeared after the 1900s, it was never truly gone. The country has a long, if quiet, history of distilling grain spirits. What we’re seeing now is a reawakening – led by distillers with deep respect for tradition, but no obligation to follow the conventions of Scotch or Bourbon.

Freed from some of the geographical and regulatory constraints of other whisky-making regions, English producers are exploring new mash bills, experimental cask finishes, and diverse fermentation techniques. The result? Whiskies that are rich in character, distinctly individual, and uniquely English.

Craft at Its Core

Much like the craft gin movement of the past two decades, English whisky is being shaped by smaller, independent distilleries that emphasise terroir, sustainability, and innovation. Many producers source local barley, use traditional pot stills, and age their spirits in carefully selected oak casks – often experimenting with unusual woods or hybrid barrel types.

This spirit of experimentation has led to some truly remarkable expressions: fruit-forward single malts matured in Sauternes casks, bold peated whiskies from coastal sites, and elegant, wine-finished drams that challenge whisky norms.

Making a Global Impression

The global whisky market has taken note. English whiskies are now winning awards, securing export deals, and earning shelf space in top bars and bottle shops across Europe, Asia, and North America. For whisky drinkers seeking something new, English expressions offer a fresh perspective, often with a flavour profile that blends approachability with complexity.

As whisky drinkers become more adventurous and discerning, provenance, transparency, and craft matter more than ever. English whisky fits this moment perfectly, offering both storytelling and substance.

The Road Ahead

With time, maturity, and ambition on their side, English whisky makers are just getting started. As more 5, 10, and 12-year expressions begin to hit the market, and as the region develops a more defined identity, we can expect English whisky to continue carving out a place not just as a trend, but as a permanent pillar of the whisky world.

At Witchmark Distillery, we watch this movement with great admiration and curiosity – and, perhaps, more than a little inspiration. For us, it represents the best of what English spirits can be: authentic, with provenance and traceability. 

In the Glass and Beyond

Whether you're a lifelong Scotch drinker, a fan of Irish smoothness, or a bourbon enthusiast, now is the time to explore what English whisky has to offer. You might just discover your next favourite dram – one that carries the soul of the countryside, the spirit of experimentation, and the hallmark of true craft.

Raise a glass to the rise of English whisky. The story is just beginning.