The WSTA is launching an English and Welsh whisky trail — take a look

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) is launching an English and Welsh whisky trail to raise awareness of the category, which the trade body said has “lay dormant for more than a century.”

(Photo: WSTA)

Each stop on the map gives details of the whisky makers and which ones are open to the public for tours and at the same encouraging tourists to explore the stunning English and Welsh countryside. A full 

During the 18th century, there were at least four English and Welsh whisky distilleries in operation, but production of the spirit slowed down during the 19th century, when drinks makers began to focus their attention on Scotch.

The last English distillery closed in 1905, but a century later a Cornish producer revived the category by launching its own version.

Meanwhile, a new multi-million pound whisky distillery and visitor centre is being planned in the town of Wooler in Northumberland, with the owners stating that it will create up to 50 jobs in the area.

Today, there are at least 19 distilleries across England and Wales producing whisky.

Both Scottish and English whisky production is governed by EU regulations, although Scotland has an additional, much tighter layer of control.

In England, new-make spirit must be matured for a minimum of three years in wooden casks before it can legally be called ‘whisky’

“Britain now boasts 315 distilleries – more than double the number that were operating across the country five years ago,” said WSTA chief executive Miles Beale.

“We can safely say the growing number of distilleries is no flash in the pan, as we have seen a wave of exciting new Welsh and English distillery projects.”