This month, in our New Malt Order tasting box, we feature exciting whiskies from new distilleries and producers. Included in the line up is MCDXCIV from Lindores. Inspired by this new distillery, I wanted to turn from Scotland to England in this article, and look at another new distillery.

Henstone Distillery

Henstone is an English distillery based in Oswestry, Shropshire. It was founded in 2017 by Chris and Alexandra Toller, and Shane and Alison Parr.

Henstone's aim is to create quality whiskies for people who enjoy sophisticated, classic spirits, but with a small batch twist. They make their whiskies in a 1,000 litre still (called Hilda) which was manufactured by Kothe in Germany. 

Henstone is one of only a small number of distilleries south of the Scottish border that makes their own wash (the beer that is distilled to produce whisky) on site. They use only the finest malted barley to produce a distinctive and characteristic new-make spirit. 

Henstone Ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky

If you'd like to try Henstone's wares, then a great place to start is their Ex Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky, which won a Silver Medal in the International Spirits Challenge 2021.

Tasting notes

Nose: Ripe red apples and cream soda. Fruit and nut mix or dairy milk fruit and nut bar.

Palate: It's deceptively smooth. Most of the action is mid-tongue. Warmth and the nuttiness come through over the fruit.

Finish: Long, well beyond its young years.

You can pick up a bottle of Henstone's Ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt here for £54.95.

What would you recommend?

Do you have any recommendations, inspired by this month's tasting set? I'd love to hear your suggestions, connect with me on social media (links below) and let me know.

And, if you haven't tried our New Malt Order tasting set yet, pick up a box here. It's the perfect opportunity to try the two Old Perth whiskies which this article is based on, as well as four other superb drams.