The English 11 - 46%
Based in Norfolk, St George’s Distillery are England's oldest whisky distillery and an independent family owned business. Originally conceived by father and son partnership James and Andrew Nelstrop as a micro-distillery, plans quickly changed due to HMRC requiring a still size of no less than 1800 litres.
With the help of then retired ex-Laphroaig Master Distiller Iain Henderson, production started and the first 29 casks laid down in December 2006.
St. George’s use locally sourced barley and fresh water from the Brecklands aquifer which runs beneath the distillery.
From the distillery
One of our favourites, a perfect whisky to have at hand as we enter summer. There is something oddly comforting when we see a bottling re-released each year. It is a sense of continuity and that feeling that we can all once again stock up on a favourite. This year we are releasing 4300 bottles of which only 2100 will remain in the UK.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thin line which falls as thick, oily legs.
Nose: Baked Bramley apples with cinnamon and vanilla custard.
Palate: Baked apple, roasted pineapple, tropical fruit, baking spices and a little chilli heat.
Finish: Woody oak, walnuts, musty dunnage warehouses, dusty library books, peppery spice.
Summary: Very much a whisky for a summer evening, fruity, sweet and spicy with a pleasantly creamy mouthfeel. The combination of apple and pineapple work well and the peppery spice brings welcome warmth.
Although a decent whisky, this proved to be my least favourite of the tasting session due in no small part to the finish. Warm, woody and dry but with a dusty earthiness which seems at odds with the fruity, summery feel of the palate. I’m sure many will love that contrast, but for me it just didn’t quite work.
Priced just under the £60 mark and decent value for money, however my preference would to spend just a little more and get the Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead expression.
If you would like to know more about The English whiskies, and the St. George’s distillery, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
