The English Whisky Guild Is Established To Showcase & Protect Their Whiskies!

The 15 inaugural English Whisky Guild members!

As the global market for whisky continues its soaring growth – with a projected increase in value from $60bn to $108bn over the next decade, English whisky distilleries are leading the charge. This week the English Whisky Guild (‘EWG’) publicly launches with an overarching vision of showcasing and protecting the remarkable quality and diversity of the now numerous, unique whiskies that are crafted in England.

The volume of spirit produced by English distilleries is forecasted to grow 189% from 2019-2023. Over the same period, the number of bottles sold is predicted to increase by 418% (Data: The English Whisky Guild) Numerous awards, including 2022s World’s Best Single Malt Whisky have been won by single malts, single grain and blended whiskies created and produced in England. The goals of the EWG are to ensure that this high standard continues and thrives, whilst also to encourage and showcase the diversity of flavour profiles and production techniques which underpin the sector.

As we move into 2022, there are now 40 whisky distilleries spanning England, from the tip of the south-west to the furthest north-eastern edge, at all stages of development; some just getting started, the oldest of which has been distilling for nearly 20 years. Currently composed of 15 founder members, who are all distilling spirit at a wide variety of production scales, the first step of the EWG has been to submit a Geographical Indicator (‘GI’) to DEFRA. The GI will legally define English whisky to ensure consistent, understandable standards for all current and prospective distillers, of all sizes. The GI also contains proposals to bolster and support other connected UK industries, for example, grains used must be both grown and malted in the UK.

In addition, the Guild will also strive to nurture a community of supportive producers who share achievements and learnings for the future good of English Whisky. It will also build awareness of the English whisky category with drinkers, creating real and virtual spaces where English whisky can be discovered, learnt about and enjoyed.

Lakes Distillery

English whisky is synonymous with independence, innovation and creativity. The formation of the Guild and the submission of the GI application supports these shared values whilst also establishing production standards that ensure that any whisky labelled as ‘English’ is of the highest quality.

It also marks a significant step in the long-term development and promotion of English whisky. We would welcome other English distilleries joining us at this exciting time.
– Andrew Nelstrop (of the English Whisky Company): EWG’s inaugural Chairman

Despite our 19th century roots and nearly 100 years of production silence, the story of English whisky has only just begun. English whisky is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a tsunami of drinkers across the world discovering and experiencing spirit produced with incredible flavour diversity and to the highest standards.
– Abbie Neilson: Co-Founder, Cooper King Distillery

This is a significant and hugely welcome step in the evolution of English whisky. I’ve watched the growth of the new English whisky sector with growing fascination and this move will ensure that the open-minded and varied manner in which England’s distillers are approaching whisky will be safeguarded.

Having an agreed set of production standards is vital for any whisky producing nation as it helps to guide distillers while not restricting innovation. More importantly, it exists to protect consumers. I wish the Guild all the best in its continuing work.
– David Broom: Award winning drinks writer

Cotswolds Distillery Barrels

Many whisky producing countries have formed producer bodies to champion their category and have introduced regulations governing the various aspects of the whisky-making process. They have done so out of a need to both safeguard the highest quality standards, as well as to ensure consistent and transparent labelling; all for the benefit of consumers.

Each of these countries (Scotland, Ireland, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for instance) has adopted unique approaches to their rules for grain specifications, distilling equipment, cask materials, ageing and labelling to protect their global reputations whilst allowing for sufficient flexibility for individual distilleries to create something unique.

Current members of the English Whisky Guild:

Ad Gefrin
Adnams Southwold
Bimber Distillery
Cooper King Distillery
Cooper Rivet Distillery
Cotswolds Distillery
East London Liquor Co.
Henstone Distillery
Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery
The English Whisky Co.
The Lakes Distillery
The Oxford Artisan Distillery
Wharf Distillery
White Peak Distillery
Whittaker’s Distillery