CASK 001: ONLY 60 WORLDWIDE – THE FIRST EVER CASK IN ENGLISH WHISKY HISTORY

When we talk about landmark moments in whisky history, we often turn to the great names of Scotland, Japan, or Ireland. But in 2006, something remarkable happened in the quiet countryside of Norfolk, England: a new chapter began. It was that year that The English Whisky Co. filled its very first cask—Cask 001—and in doing so, reignited an entire nation’s distilling tradition.

Now, nearly two decades later, that first cask is ready. Just 60 bottles of The English Cask 001 are being released to the world! This isn’t simply a rare bottling—it’s a moment frozen in time, the first English single malt whisky laid down legally in over a century. It’s the kind of release that whisky collectors dream of: foundational, unrepeatable, and destined to become legendary.

A Legacy in Liquid Form – The Ultimate Collector’s Piece

Cask 001 was filled by hand in 2006 by James Nelstrop, the visionary founder of The English Whisky Co., and distilled under the expert guidance of Iain Henderson, formerly of Laphroaig. It marked not just the beginning of a distillery, but the revival of an entire industry in England.

Only 29 casks were filled in that first year. Cask 001 was the very first—an unpeated single malt that would go on to rest quietly for 18 years in Norfolk’s cool, thick-walled Bond 1 warehouse. Over that time, it was disturbed just twice: once to be transferred into a single sherry cask, and once more when it was returned to its original American Standard Barrel (ASB).

Throughout the years, while the world raced on, Cask 001 matured in silence. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just patience, craft, and purpose. And now, that patience has been rewarded.

The Whisky

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.2% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with no added colour, Cask 001 is a true expression of provenance and purity. Every drop captures the soul of its origin—from the mineral-rich Norfolk water used in production, to the vision of independence that drives The English Whisky Co. to this day.

It’s a whisky made not just for drinking, but for appreciating. For those lucky enough to own one of the 60 bottles, it represents the ultimate collector’s gem: the first step in a journey that helped put English whisky back on the global map.

Presentation Matters

Such an iconic release deserves an equally iconic presentation. Each bottle of Cask 001 is handblown by the artisans at Langham Glass, ensuring every one is subtly unique. The whisky is housed in a bespoke collector’s box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity—proof of its singular place in the history of English distilling.

With a recommended retail price of £2,995, this is not an everyday dram. But for the collector or connoisseur, it offers something far more valuable than its price tag: provenance, prestige, and the opportunity to own a first.

As a special gesture, each bottle also comes with an additional curated expression from The English Whisky Co.—a gift from us to mark the importance of this historic release.

Why This Is Important

English whisky is no longer a novelty. Over the past decade, the category has flourished, with new distilleries emerging and recognition growing worldwide. But it all started here—with this cask, this distillery, and this pioneering family.

Cask 001 is a symbol of that movement. It’s a reminder that innovation in whisky doesn’t always mean breaking the rules—it can also mean restoring tradition, reimagining it, and reviving it with clarity and care.

For those who understand the power of “firsts,” this is a bottling that won’t come again. It’s the whisky equivalent of owning a first edition, or the original brushstroke in a masterpiece. The value isn’t just in the liquid—it’s in the story, the timing, and the people who made it possible.

Enquire Now

Only 60 bottles exist. And when they’re gone, they’re gone.

If you’re a collector, investor, or enthusiast who understands the meaning of legacy, we invite you to enquire now. This is your opportunity to own the very first English single malt whisky of the modern era.

A whisky this iconic doesn’t need marketing hype. It just needs to be seen for what it is: the beginning of everything.