White Peak Distillery, Wire Works, Double Oak Port, Single Malt Whisky, England (52.2%)

White Peak Distillery is Derbyshire’s first full-scale craft distillery, with a proud focus on their unique Derbyshire heritage.  To create Wire Works Whisky, they use local brewer’s yeast, combined with an uncommonly long fermentation for a distinctive new make spirit with character before it even goes into a cask. The nose has a decadent aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns, lavishly drizzled in rich icing, intertwined with an exquisite medley of candied fruits and dense, dark caramel.

A whisper of peppery oak and indulgent dark cherry chocolate adds complexity. On the palate, a tapestry unfolds, showcasing chocolate raisins, delicately toasted almonds, and vibrant dried cherries, all harmonized by refined tannic oak and enticing crackles of smoked peppercorns. The finish culminates in a sweet, woody embrace enriched by cooked red fruits, softly glowing embers, and a delicate dusting of cacao.

James Beresford, Berry Bros. & Rudd (November 2024)