Boss makes England’s oldest whisky in lockdown with just three staff instead of 43

The first 11-year-old whisky from England, by the English Whisky Co, called The English - 11 Yr. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Andrew Nelstrop, who runs the English Whisky Co in Roudham, near Thetford, opened in 2006 and has just launched an 11-year-old whisky that he started making almost from the start.

Being the first whisky firm to successfully operate in England, he’s managed to create the first ‘age statement’ tipple compared to his usual small batches which are typically six-10 years old.

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Owner of the English Whisky Co, Andrew Nelstrop, in the shop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Not only is it a first in England but the whisky, named The English-11 Yr, presented with a striking yellow label has a deeper, more smoky flavour because it’s been in its oak, bourbon casks, for longer.

But Mr Nelstrop, managing director, said to create a whisky which carries an age on the bottle means the flavour also needs to be more consistent than younger whiskies which tend to be sold with variations in flavour.

And he’s also had to get the whisky bottled and labelled – with the first batch of just under 2,500 bottles – with only three staff compared to the usual workforce of 43, 40 of whom have been furloughed in lockdown. He’s had to streamline the business, with his distillery tours on hold because of coronavirus and his restaurant closed, although he has just reopened the shop for sale of whisky, which can be also bought online.

The mash tun and spirit stills at the English Whisky Co at Roudham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

“We as a Norfolk company are making sure we stamp the box for producing the oldest whisky in England. You can taste the smokiness, it has an extra depth of flavour. It builds awareness and reminds people that we are here.

“Small batch whisky tends to suit drinkers who want something slightly different each time whereas many want their favourite whisky to be the same the next time they buy it.”

Scotch whisky must be matured for a minimum of three years. If a bottle of whisky shows an age statement, for example ‘12 Years-Old’ it means that the youngest whisky in the bottle is at least 12 years old.

Grain whisky is most often used between three and five years old in blended whisky brands.

Owner of the English Whisky Co, Andrew Nelstrop, in the shop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The English-Eleven Yr is for sale for £59.95 for a 70cl bottle.

Earlier this year Mr Nelstrop benefited when Donald Trump imposed crippling 25% tariffs on Scottish and Irish whisky but not English meaning he started exporting more to the States.

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