English Whisky Guild


The English Whisky Guild 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 members

The first meeting of the English Whisky Guild was on 18 June 2021.

Former Members

When the English Whisky Guild applied to DEFRA for a Geographical Indication, Circumstance Distillery felt the Geographical Indication 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.

Annual report

On 14 June 2024 the English Whisky Guild released its first report praising 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.

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