The English Distillery in Norfolk creates world-class whisky

The Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt, made by The English Distillery in Roudham near Thetford, won the Best Single Malt award at the annual World Whiskies Awards. 

The distillery was founded in 2006 by farmer James Nelstrop, who dreamed of creating a world-class malt.

James’ son, Andrew, took over the family business when his father died in 2014.

The award-winning whisky was the dream of the distillery's founder (Image: The English Distillery)

“We’re stunned," Andrew said. "Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation of my father’s sole goal of creating world-class single malt whiskies in England and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world.”

The winning whisky boasts aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks, which combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate.

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Father of two Andrew, whose wife Katy works alongside him as the team's marketing director, added: “This is a super way to celebrate our 18th year of whisky distilling.

"It’s a testament to our distillers’ work and I know my father would have been hugely proud of this achievement, as are we.

Andrew Nelstrop took over the distillery after his father's death in 2014 (Image: Antony Kelly)

“As the English Whisky category continues to grow with pace, this award is another milestone for whisky making in England, particularly when it’s judged against some of the finest single malt whiskies from around the world, including Scotland.”

The whisky is hand-bottled at the business' Breckland base and has a 46pc abv.

It belongs to the distillery's core range and is available for £47.50 for a 70cl bottle.