In a groundbreaking collaboration, Exploring English Whisky, the visionary force behind the renowned English Whisky Festival, has recently unveiled the inaugural release of its highly anticipated Explorer Series. This debut marks a significant milestone for English whisky, a realm traditionally overshadowed by its Scottish counterpart. The pioneer in this series is a distinguished nine-year-old single malt, a testament to the craft and dedication exhibited by the Suffolk-based distillery, Adnams.
Crafted in collaboration with Adnams, the Explorer Series promises a collection that transcends geographical boundaries, featuring handpicked selections from distilleries across England. This ambitious endeavor seeks to redefine perceptions of English whisky, introducing a nuanced and sophisticated alternative to its well-established Scottish peers.
The cornerstone of this groundbreaking release is a meticulously crafted nine-year-old single malt, distinguished by its unique finish in Sauternes wine casks. This collaboration with Adnams, a distillery deeply rooted in Suffolk, adds an extra layer of authenticity and regional character to the expression.
The journey of this exceptional whisky begins with Adnams' signature single malt recipe, which undergoes a seven-year maturation process in the distillery's second-fill French oak casks. This period is followed by an additional two years of refinement in French sweet Sauternes wine casks, imparting a complexity and depth seldom found in English whiskies.
Richard Foster, the visionary founder of Exploring English Whisky, expressed his excitement, stating, "There are very few age-statement English whiskies on the market, so we are excited to be able to stamp nine years onto this bottle." He emphasizes the collaboration with Adnams, highlighting their sustainable and craft-minded practices, such as locally sourced barley and extended fermentations, which contribute to the whisky's unique profile, notably lighter on wood.
Foster elaborates on the distinctive character of the whisky, attributing a subtle salinity to Adnams' proximity to the North Sea. This maritime influence, coupled with the craftsmanship of the distillery, culminates in a liquid masterpiece that captures the essence of the Suffolk coast, visible throughout the whisky's maturation process until it reaches the bottle.
The Explorer Series' debut expression is more than a mere whisky; it's a sensory journey. With notes of melted butter, fennel, stone fruits, and grappa, the whisky unfolds its layers, revealing a luscious apricot jam sweetness with a delicate sprinkling of baking spices. The complexity and balance achieved in this expression are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship employed at every stage of its creation.
Visually, the Explorer Series' bottle design is a harmonious fusion of the brand identities of both Exploring English Whisky and Adnams, marked by a distinctive black 'x,' symbolizing the range's explorer spirit. Foster reflects on this significant milestone, stating, "Creating our first label was a big moment for us," underscoring the symbolic importance of the design in capturing the essence of this historic release.
For enthusiasts eager to experience the Explorer Series firsthand, the 9 Year Old Adnams expression is available for purchase at £70 (US$88) exclusively through the online spirits retailer Whiskyside. However, with only 700 bottles available, securing a piece of English whisky history requires swift action.
Inaugurated in 2020, Exploring English Whisky has swiftly evolved from an online tasting platform to a membership club advocating for English whisky awareness. The annual English Whisky Festival, held every November, has become a pivotal event in celebrating and promoting the diversity and excellence of English whiskies.
As the Explorer Series sets sail with its inaugural release, it marks a pivotal moment in the English whisky renaissance. With craftsmanship, collaboration, and a deep respect for tradition, Exploring English Whisky and Adnams have set the stage for a new era, where English whiskies proudly stand alongside their Scotch counterparts, competing not only in quality but also in the coveted realm of age statements.
