A Norfolk whisky has beaten Scottish competition to be named the world's best malt.
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.
“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.
“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.
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