English Single Malt · Derbyshire · Whisky of the Year 2026
In a blind tasting against the great malts of Scotland, Ireland and Japan, a young distillery in a Victorian wire works on the River Derwent won. Wire Works Bourbon Barrel is the most talked-about English whisky ever bottled — and it is at your door in 30 minutes.
53.4% ABV70clLightly PeatedSingle MaltHeaven Hill Casks
A derelict Victorian wire works on the banks of the River Derwent in Ambergate, Derbyshire — restored, not rebuilt.
The Spirit
Lightly peated malt, long fermentations and slow distillation — a house style built for depth rather than speed.
The Casks
First-class ex-bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill in Bardstown, Kentucky. Nothing else — no finishing, no hiding.
The Verdict
Whisky of the Year 2026, chosen by whisky drinkers in a blind tasting against the world's most famous distilleries.
Accolades
Whisky of the Year 2026
Chosen in a blind tasting — beating Scotland, Ireland and Japan
Best English Whisky
English Whisky Awards, inaugural year
Best English Distillery
English Whisky Awards, inaugural year
People's Choice
Best World Whisky, Online Scotch Whisky Awards
Tasting Profile
Vanilla & Cream
Citrus
Smoke
Oak
Vanilla CheesecakeLemon CurdBonfire SmokeToasted OakOrchard Fruit
How to Serve It
Room Temperature
Never chilled — cold shuts down the smoke and citrus
Glencairn Glass
The tulip shape concentrates the aromas
A Few Drops of Water
At 53.4% it opens beautifully — add water slowly
Pairs Well With
Dark Chocolate
70% cocoa against the vanilla sweetness
Aged Cheddar
A Derbyshire whisky wants a British cheeseboard
Lemon Tart
Meets the lemon curd note head-on
A Fireside
The bonfire note was made for autumn evenings
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Ambergate, Derbyshire, England
Distillery
White Peak
Style
Lightly peated single malt
Casks
Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels
ABV
53.4%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
Why is English whisky suddenly such a big deal?
England has gone from almost no whisky distilleries to a genuine movement in under two decades — and in 2026 an English single malt was named Whisky of the Year in a blind tasting against the world's most established distilleries. Early bottlings from breakout English distilleries are exactly the ones collectors later wish they had bought.
What does "lightly peated" actually taste like?
Not an Islay bonfire. Here the smoke sits underneath — a drift of woodsmoke behind the vanilla and lemon, closer to a struck match at the end of the finish than a peat bog. It works well for someone who says they don't like smoky whisky.
Should I add water at 53.4%?
Try it neat first, then add water a few drops at a time. At this strength a little water genuinely changes the whisky — it lifts the citrus and softens the oak. There is no wrong answer, only your preference.
Is this a good gift for a Scotch drinker?
It's one of the best. Anyone deep into Speyside or Highland malts will have heard about the 2026 result and be curious — and few will have bought a bottle for themselves yet. That combination is exactly what makes a gift land.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Wire Works responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
