English whisky is causing a stir

Raise a glass to World Whisky Day with a top drop from Blighty

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When we think of key whisky countries, Scotland, Ireland, Japan and America come to mind.

So it may come as a surprise, but England's putting its stamp on the whisky scene. So much so, there are now more than 60 distilleries, with 26 members of the English Whisky Guild.

Historically, English whisky dates back to the 1800s; gradually the trade died out, with the last distillery closing its doors in the early 1900s.

Fast forward to the current wave, and it's seen significant growth over the past 10 years. According to the English Whisky Guild, there are 50,000 maturing casks, with a value estimated to be worth £1 billion - marking a new era for whisky drinkers...

From Northumberland to Manchester, the Cotswolds to Cornwall, whisky casks are maturing in dedicated warehouses - similar to other world whiskies, it must be aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years.

Moreover, a number of established companies such as The Lakes, Cotswolds Distillery and English Whisky Company have scooped Gold medals for their single malt at the World Whiskies Awards.