The English Distillery 9 Year Old 2013 SMWS Single Cask 137.18 (2024) 3cl Sample

The English Distillery 9 Year Old 2013 SMWS Single Cask 137.18 (2024) 3cl Sample

A monster of a dram at 67.3%! M&H territory for strength after 9 years. You can almost taste the sediment and wood from the barrel. One of the woodiest whiskies we have ever tasted.

Tasting Notes 

We imagined dicing fresh green apples on a bamboo chopping board in a wood-carving workshop with the aromas of pine sap, sawdust and wood glue filling the air. On the palate, plenty of vanilla and brown sugar to start before a little dry menthol bitterness appeared and, in the finish, cracked black pepper. Diluted, we discovered an exotic fragrant wood scent alongside oil paints and wax crayons before we enjoyed a slice of walnut loaf with hazelnut chocolate spread and a glass of amaro Italian herbal liqueur. Following 14 months in a new oak charred barrel, this whisky was transferred into a first fill ex-bourbon barrel.

About The English Distillery 

At a time when world-class Whisky made in England was unthinkable, our father and son founders took a chance and kick-started a category. In 2006, The English Distillery became England’s first registered, operational whisky distillery for over 100 years. When our founders built the distillery at the Norfolk site, they chose a spot directly above a source of sweet, mineral-rich water; the same water that’s made our whisky every day since 2006. Norfolk’s microclimate is optimal for barrel ageing, with clean air, mild winters, and dry summers. Every drop of ‘The English’ is aged in carefully selected barrels onsite. Still family-owned and not beholden to investors, we are passionate about using traditional, slow processes to ensure every drop of whisky is made the right way, whilst continually trialling to get the best results with a varied and well-aged stock. This approachable, exceptional portfolio is designed to invite discovery so that you will find something you love. All the whiskies are loved by customers and judges worldwide, achieving the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ in the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, a three-star award in the 2025 Great Taste Awards and Gold at The 2025 IWSC Awards. This recognition is a testament to our passion, craft and over 18 years of distilling excellence.

About SMWS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) was founded in 1983 by a group of friends lead by tax accountant Phillip ‘Pip’ Hills as a private members club. The concept behind the society was to source casks from all over Scotland which would then be bottled and made available exclusively to its members. Perhaps the most famous feature of these bottles are the unique codes. Each distillery is represented by a different number and the following digits indicate that particular release. That same year, the SMWS set up its first location in Leith’s Vault buildings in Edinburgh where it still stands today.

67.3% ABV

3cl / 30ml