Elsham Wold debuts English single malt

The creator of Edwards 1902 vodka, Elsham Wold Distillery, has released its inaugural single malt whisky as part of its Flarepath Series.

The limited edition expression was created in North Lincolnshire using Yorkshire barley and aged in miniature ex-Bourbon casks, before being transferred to a single Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask for its final months.

The brand said the smaller casks give the whisky ‘character, smoothness and depth of flavour well beyond its years’.

The Flarepath Series takes its name from the historic paths that guide aviators home during wartime. The name is shared by the new distillery at the brand’s home at RAF Elsham Wold, a former airfield that supported the Royal Air Force’s bomber operations during the Second World War.

The whisky was officially launched at Wootton Hall in Lincolnshire last week (5 October), with a tasting led by Ben Bowers of retailer The Spirit Specialist and James McMillan from spirits retailer McMillans of Malton.

“I was so impressed to discover that the team producing Elsham Wold Single Malt Whisky have created a stunning, unctuously fruity dram straight off the bat,” said Bowers.

“The whisky not only belies its youth thanks to a rich, almost creamy mouthfeel, but also clearly shows how much care and attention has gone into the new make that is the base for their output, ensuring a high quality from the very start.

“Having offered their range of excellent vodkas and liqueurs to my customers, I very much look forward to sharing this excellent single malt with them and I’m honoured to be able to watch Elsham Wold’s journey into the world of whisky at such an early stage.”

The release has sold out since its launch.

Edwards 1902 won Gold at The Vodka Masters 2020 blind tasting.