Looking for English whisky to buy? Want to find the best English whisky distilleries? Find out all there is to know about English whisky, then check out our introduction to bourbon. Looking for something sweet to sip after dinner? Check out the best whisky liqueurs.

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Scottish whisky and Irish whiskey have been popular for many years, but it's time for English malts and single grains to shine. Here are of the best English whiskies to watch out for, whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing tipple to take to party, a warming winter whisky or a luxury bottle to sip and savour. All have been tested by our expert drinks writer and editorial team - here are the top picks.


Best English whiskies to try at a glance

  • Best luxury English whisky: Cotswolds Distillery Harvest Series Golden Wold Single Malt, £99.95
  • Best after-dinner whisky: Adnams Triple Malt Whisky, £48.19
  • Best easy-drinking whisky: The Norfolk Parched Single Grain Whisky, £49.99
  • Best fruity English whisky: The Lakes Distillery The One Port Cask Finished English Whisky, £46.15
  • Best crowd-pleasing English whisky: Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, £39
  • Best limited-edition English whisky: Weetwood The Cheshire Single Malt, £59.95
  • Best English whisky for winter: Filey Bay Port Finish Batch #1, £61.95
  • Best English rye whisky: Oxford Rye Whisky Batch 004 The Graduate, £95

Best English whiskies to try 2023

Cotswolds Distillery Harvest Series Golden Wold Single Malt

Best luxury English whisky

A blend of red wine, bourbon and peated casks, this is lush and mellow, a proper treat to sip.

Available from:
olive shop, £99.95


Adnams Triple Malt Whisky

Best after-dinner whisky

Made with three different grains – wheat, barley and oats – this full-bodied whisky has an almost dessert-like character, with appealing baking spice, chocolate and coconut notes. Perfect for a post-dinner dram.

Available from:
Adnams (£42.99)
Ocado (£40)
Master of Malt (£42)


The Norfolk Parched Single Grain Whisky

Best easy-drinking whisky

Jim Murray dubbed this European whisky of the year in the 2018 edition of his famous Whisky Bible and no wonder – an elegant expression with an appealing creaminess, and dangerously smooth and drinkable. Take to a party and sip all night.


The Lakes Distillery The One Port Cask Finished English Whisky

Best fruity English whisky

Finished for a year in tawny port casks, this rich, full-bodied spirit is subtly smoky and fruity, with a smooth, oily mouthfeel. Essential kit for fireside drinking.

Available from:
Amazon (£48)


Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky

Best crowd-pleasing English whisky

An acclaimed award winner with appealing butterscotch aromas, marmalade-like notes and a lovely rounded texture. Gift to a loved one for maximum brownie points.


Weetwood The Cheshire Single Malt

Best limited-edition English whisky

An appealingly easy-drinking, fruity whisky from Cheshire, with vanilla, baking spice and a gentle burn.

Available from:
Hard to Find Whisky (£59.95)


Filey Bay Port Finish Batch #1

Best English whisky for winter

A Yorkshire spirit finished in ruby port casks. It’s richly fruity, with light spice, dark cocoa and vanilla – a lovely winter whisky.


Oxford Rye Whisky Batch 004 The Graduate

Best English rye whisky

A cracking example of new-wave rye whisky, this is complex with herbal, peppery and spicy notes, and hints of banana, creamy custard and nuttiness.

Available from:
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (£95)

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Authors

Hannah Guinness olive magazine portrait
Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

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