Behind the scenes at the English Whisky Company

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Set up by Andrew Nelstrop, the first 29 barrels of whisky were made at St George's Distillery in December in 2006 and by August 2007 the Roudham-based company opened to the public with a visitor centre, whisky shop and tours.

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Now, it attracts an estimated 50,000 visitors a year for tours, tasting sessions or coffee, and a £300,000 investment on a new restaurant and enlarged shop will be complete later this year.

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Known for its single malt whisky The English, the firm recently released The Norfolk brand - to celebrate the county and put it firmly on the whisky map.

The distillery uses water from the Breckland aquifer and barley straight from the Norfolk fields.

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Owner Andrew Nelstrop. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

For more information about the distillery, its whisky and tours, click here

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Owner Andrew Nelstrop. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Photo essay. The English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery, Roudham, near Thetford. Owner Andrew Nelstrop. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)