EIGHTEEN years ago, Andrew Nelstrop and his father James had a novel idea for diversification on their 1,100-acre arable farm in Norfolk. They decided to make whisky specifically the finest single malt - and as far as they were concerned this was completely doable. They grew excellent barley on their farm, they had two maltsters down the road and they had a fresh supply of water from the River Thet. They persuaded a distiller from Laphroaig to help get them going and began production in December 2006 as the English Whisky Company.
When the Nelstrops started out, they were the first and only registered whisky distillery to make the spirit on English soil for more than 120 years. At that time English whisky was little more than an interesting novelty, not expected to have an impact worldwide. Today there are 44 makers in England either making whisky, in the planning stages or building a distillery, and they span the country from Cornwall to Northumberland. Not only that, they are winning awards and gaining a respected presence on the international scene.
Andrew Nelstrop admits that this explosion in numbers has taken everyone in the industry by surprise and, so far, the impact on his business is good. "When the first 20 distilleries opened, each one was a helping hand," he says. "We did lots of marketing and there are now a huge number of people banging the drum, and that is incredibly valuable." At present his distillery is one of only four, along with Spirit of Yorkshire, Ad Gefrin in Northumberland and Bimber in London, bringing volume to the market.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
Heaven is a High Four
A team of guns enjoy a day of the finest sport Devon has to offer, courtesy of the GWCT and a quartet of generous shoot owners
