Adnams has been brewing in Southwold, Suffolk since 1872, and the Copper House Distillery opened alongside the brewery in 2010. That lineage matters here, because this whisky is made from 100 percent East Anglian malted barley, the very same local grain that goes into the company's beers. Brewers tend to make interesting whisky, since fermentation is where flavour is actually created and they have had a century and a half of practice at it. The spirit is distilled in small batches on a dedicated copper pot still, then matured for five years in new French oak barrels. That cask choice is the defining decision. Virgin French oak is finer grained than American oak and gives tighter tannin, deeper fruit and a drier, more restrained sweetness, where an ex bourbon barrel would push vanilla and coconut. It also lends real concentration to a comparatively young whisky, which is why this drinks with more weight than five years would normally suggest. What lands in the glass is bright amber. The nose is juicy orchard fruit, ripe apricot and golden honey opening into dark berries and a lift of tutti frutti. The palate is vibrant and rounded, with runny honey, vanilla and apricot moving into pear and a note of black pepper that carries through. The finish is caramel sweet with a distinctive dry edge and lingering fruit. At 40 percent it is easy going and unaggressive, which makes it a good introduction to English whisky. Drink it neat, with a drop of water, or build it into a sweeter Old Fashioned or a Sidecar.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
England |
| Region |
Southwold, Suffolk |
| Category |
English Single Malt Whisky |
| Mashbill |
100% East Anglian malted barley |
| Age |
5 years |
| Maturation |
New French oak barrels |
| Distillation |
Copper pot still, small batch |
| Distillery |
Copper House Distillery, Adnams |
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright amber with a golden cast.
Nose: Juicy orchard fruit, ripe apricot and golden honey, developing into dark berries, vanilla and a whiff of tutti frutti.
Palate: Vibrant and rounded, with runny honey, vanilla and apricot moving into pear cobbler, cut by a note of black pepper.
Finish: Caramel sweet with lush lingering fruit and a distinctive dry edge.
FAQ
What proof is Adnams Single Malt? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
What is it made from? 100 percent East Anglian malted barley, the same locally grown grain Adnams uses for its beers.
Is this Scotch? No. It is English single malt whisky, distilled at the Copper House Distillery in Southwold, Suffolk. Single malt describes the grain and the single distillery, not the country.
How long is it matured? Five years in new French oak barrels, as stated on the label.
How does it compare to the Adnams Rye Malt? The Rye Malt is 75 percent rye at 47 percent alcohol, spicier and more assertive. This single malt is all barley at 40 percent, softer, honeyed and fruit led.
Where can I buy Adnams Single Malt Whisky online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
