English Whisky Guild

The English Whisky Guild (EWG) is a membership organisation that promotes and protects English whisky.

Purpose and ambition

Purpose The purpose of the English Whisky Guild is to:

Promote and protect English Whisky including its diversity and flavour Offer support to producers and consumers Ensure high standards for English whisky across the industry in England

Ambition The English Whisky Guild have stated that their primary ambition is to get English whisky recognised globally as a respected choice for whisky drinkers.

Membership As of 23 April 2023 The English Whisky Guild consisted of 26 members including:

Current Distillery Members NoName of DistilleryEstablishedLocationRegionJoined Founder/NewCite1.Adnams Plc (Copper House)2010SouthwoldEast of England May 18, 2022Founder2.Cooper King Distillery2009YorkYorkshire and the Humber3.Ad Gefrin Distillery2022WoolerNorth East4.Copper Rivet Distillery2017ChathamSouth East5.Cotswolds Distillery2014StourtonWest Mislands6.East London Liquor Co.2014LondonLondon7.Henstone Distillery2017WelshpoolWest Midlands8.Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery9.The English Distillery2006RoundhamEast of England 10.The Lakes Distillery2014SetmurthyNorth West11.Fielden2017SouthwoldEast of England12.Wharf Distillery2015TowchesterEast Midlands13White Peak Distillery2018AmbergateEast Midlands14.Whittaker's Distillery2019Harrogate Yorkshire and the Humber 15.Ellers Farm Distillery2022Stamford BridgesYorkshire and the HumberNew16.Elsham Wold Distillery17.Grasmere Distillery2024GrasmereNorth West18.Lancaster Spirits Co2024LancasterNorth West19.Ludlow Distillery2014Craven ArmsWest Midlands20.Retribution Distilling Co2021FromeSouth West21.Spirit of the Downs2025Haywards HeathSouth East22.Spirit of Manchester Distillery2022Manchester North West23.Ten Hides Diatillery2024MelkshamSouth West24.Trevethan Distillery2023PlymouthSouth West25.Wight Whisky2024Isle of WightSouth East26.West Midlands Distillery2021Rowley RigisWest Midlands27.Witchmark Distilliery 2024SalisburySouth West

Current Associate Members NoName of DistilleryCite1.Briggs of Burton 2.Catalyst Bottle ERP3.Close Brothers4.Contagious 5.Crisp Malt6.Forsyths7.Howden8.Lallemand9.Masthouse10.Simpson Malt Ltd11.Rankins Brothers and Sons12.Urban Bar The first meeting of the English Whisky Guild was on 18 June 2021.

Former Members • Halewood Artisan Spirits

• Yarm Distillery

When the English Whisky Guild applied to DEFRA for a Geographical Indication, Circumstance Distillery felt the Geographical Indication (as submitted in February 2022) would act as a barrier to entry for new distilleries and discourage innovation within the industry. After failing to convince the Guild to alter the application Circumstance Distillery left the organisation in March 2022.

Recognition

In February 2022, the English Whisky Guild applied for a geographical Indication to put into law the definition of English Whisky.

In February 2025, the English whisky geographical indication entered the consultation phase.

On 12 September 2026 the English Whisky GI application was accepted with registration occurring on 1 October 2026.

Annual report On 14 June 2024 the English Whisky Guild released its first annual report outlining the progress that English whisky has made and the unique tapestry of distilleries. The report covers a various numbers of areas including statistical analysis of English whisky, interviews with whisky produces, profiles of whisky distilleries and associate members and think pieces that cover the process of the English whisky geographical indication.

English whisky week

On 11 April 2025 the English Whisky Guild launched the inaugural English whisky week. The event is hosted by the and takes place from the 19–27 April. It brings together distillers and help to educate the public about English whisky and includes whisky tasting, masterclasses, distillery tours, exclusive events and community engagements.

English Whisky Guild

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