England's only whisky is hit in Japan

The only whisky distillery in England is exporting its spirit 6,000 miles to Japan.

Andrew Nelstrop, managing director of the English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery in East Harling Photo: ARCHANT SYNDICATION

Japan makes more single malt whisky than Scotland but has developed a taste for the tipple from St George's Distillery near Thetford, in Norfolk, and is importing 400 bottles every month.

Andrew Nelstrop, 37, owner of the English Whisky Company, which produces the 18-month-old Maison Du Whisky, said orders had been steadily growing.

Mr Nelstrop said: "We have been quietly selling the 18-month-old whisky spirit for some time, but we are now exporting it by the pallet-load. Japan makes more single malt whisky than Scotland. They love their whisky.

"France have only just taken it on, but they are also big whisky drinkers and it looks like we have finally broken into the European and world market."

The £1m distillery opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2007 following a visit from Prince Charles.

Mr Nelstrop said that initial tastings of their whisky spirit, which has been made with locally grown barley, had been well received by the industry and he aimed to sell about 100,000 bottles a year by the time of the London Olympics in 2012.

The company is also looking to market its products in other EU countries and India.

"People say they love it. It has been well received by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and at various trade shows," he said.

"There is no question that the whisky is good. As it gets older, the whisky gets more colour and the flavours merge more."