Fielden Whisky
Fielden Whisky
Fielden Whisky
In this Q&A, we talk to Chico Rosa, Fielden Whisky’s Master Distiller. Chico grew up in a Portuguese winemaking family and now leads Fielden’s innovative approach on whisky-making. From regenerative farming and heritage grains to experimenting with cask maturation, he’s helping to shape the future of distinctive English rye whiskies.
You grew up in a Portuguese winemaking family - what drew you to whisky, and how did that shape your journey in the spirits industry?
I have been ever curious about science, particularly aromas and flavour, and whisky has been my last stop on the journey. Since an early age I used to play with potions, inspired by mad scientist cartoons and books. Instead of wanting to be an astronaut or a footballer, when I was 5 years old I wanted to be a perfume scientist.
I was always fascinated by the effect of a liquid on someone’s life and being surrounded by wine I was naturally introduced to all intricacies of its culture, from the work with nature in the vineyards, the process in the cellar and the fascinating apparatus of lab analysis. As I grew up, I got on this journey to always seek more knowledge and experiences. Between working in other wineries and studying agronomy (because wine should be made in the vineyard), I discovered brewing and got mad for what potential synergies there could be between beer and wine.
I graduated in food science and engineering and my heart was split between the two, until I decided to pursue the science of working with grains over grapes, as the fruit was more familiar to me. It was in Scotland, during my master’s degree in brewing and distilling that I found the magical complexity of whisky and spirits in general. It was almost like going back to childhood when I was imagining myself creating potions and fragrances. It felt like my whole life has been the right journey, passing through different crafts, learning from mentors and now I could combine all that knowledge together in one – whisky.
What makes Fielden’s approach to whisky-making different from other English brands?
The desire to question tradition will always drive innovation. In the Fielden genesis, there is the desire to think differently and reimagine how meaningful whisky can be in its own definition. Whisky is the spirit of grain in the rawest sense.
In a world where copper and wood seems to take the attention, we tend to forget what whisky is actually made from. The majority of whisky in the world is produced from the same varieties of barley, corn, wheat or rye. Distillers tend to not know how or where these grains came from. When distillers do know, that grain is usually the same variety as everywhere else, grown in the same way but grown locally.
Fielden wanted to take a step further, looking for answers in the past, so long ago that it could be seen as innovation. In the end we wanted to give the highest meaning to whisky by working with as many grains we could put our hands on and try to grow them as nature would, if we were not here. We brought farmers on the journey with us and became a grain business as much as a whisky business.
How does regenerative farming and the use of heritage grains actually shape the character of your whiskies and are there any whiskies or projects you’re especially proud of?
One thing I learned from agronomy and food science is that a biological material is always the sum of its input combined with the processes from its genesis and time. A grain will be the result of whatever its parent grain was exposed to at a certain given time. It is easy to understand that growing anything in hydroponics with a set range of nutrients will give different results compared to growing a plant in a rich healthy soil.
Both grow well but there are so many pathways in growing that one is more complete than the other. It is a bit like humans feeding exclusively from supplements and water or having a diverse and complete healthy diet.
With grains grown in a regenerative way, we are setting the growing for success with rich healthy plants forming the grains we use for whisky. Working with diverse grains including heritage grains allow us to not only benefit from diversity and resilience in the field but also from diversity in the base of our whisky. That diversity will impact physical and chemical properties in each step of whiskymaking.
We see our spirit style being quite defined on the top notes with a wide complex range of nuances. The more you add to a pot, the more it will gain that specific tasteful character, but then we have the side notes of earthy, mineral, floral, spices and herbal elements. I’m super proud of our Fieldnotes series where I deconstruct the Fielden spirit character and take inspiration from the English countryside.
English whisky is still carving out its identity - how do you see Fielden’s whiskies shaping that story, and could your regenerative approach influence the wider industry?
The best measure for success is having others doing things as you are. Our ultimate goal with Fielden is to promote the debate, bring everyone to the conversation and, together, create more meaningful whiskies. Regenerative farming is part of giving meaning to whisky, not from a storytelling perspective, but from a sustainable and quality point of view.
England is incredible to grow cereals, it has the tradition, the perfect soil diversity and a great climate. I see Fielden promoting more distilleries to take attention to not only what grains are being used for whisky, but also how grains are grown for whiskymaking. So far all English whisky has to be made from grain grown in the UK. We could definitely take an extra step on the definition of English whisky.
Does the type of glass you use make a difference when tasting whisky?
One hundred percent! Tasting whisky is one of the most fascinating sensorial experiences of humankind. We have aromas, textures, colour and touch, all playing together with our brain. A glass can uplift or downgrade the whisky and can be so occasion specific.
I always prefer thin rim glasses for a better touch between mouth and liquid. It also looks better. A glass with a balanced design to open up the liquid, trap and mingle volatiles while releasing the right amount of aromas through the tasting is essential for a savouring experience. The Glencairn Glass joins all these attributes in a portfolio for different occasions – I love using them!
Weekly Whisky News- 25th of September
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 26th September 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Whisky Highlights: Laphroaig x Willem Dafoe, TLDC’s Embarque, and Douglas Laing’s Winter Editions
Islay distillery, Laphroaig, teamed up with acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe for its new Unphorgettable campaign. Alongside a short film titled The Taste, the collaboration will feature global advertising, a signature cocktail, and a limited-edition whisky release. Read More
The London Distillery Company (TLDC) introduced its second single malt whisky, Embarque, a sherry-forward expression that pays homage to London’s historic docks and the centuries-old trade routes that once carried casks from Spain’s bodegas to the city’s maritime heart. Read More
Douglas Laing & Co. unveiled two special winter bottlings: Scallywag Winter Edition: Frosted by Nature – a Speyside malt finished in rare Eastern European Ice Wine casks, and the debut Big Peat Winter Edition: A Powerful New Chapter – finished in hand-picked Madeira casks, replacing the brand’s annual Christmas release. Read More
Nc’nean Releases Limited Editions in Quiet Rebels Series, and Glen Moray’s Tequila-Finished Malts Make Their Debut
Highland craft distillery, Nc’nean, released two new limited editions in its Quiet Rebels series, created by husband-and-wife duo Simon and Sarah Hewitt. Quiet Rebels: Simon draws on Simon’s love of beer, while Quiet Rebels: Sarah is a cream liqueur crafted from Nc’nean’s organic whisky and organic oat milk, best enjoyed chilled over ice. Read More
Glen Moray revealed its first Tequila cask-finished single malts – two limited editions, peated and unpeated. Part of the distillery’s experimental Warehouse One Collection, they mark its 10th release and first-ever secondary maturation in Tequila casks. Read More
Weekly Whisky News- 19th of September
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 19th September 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Ardbeg Unveils Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old, While Ballantine’s Expands True Music Icons with Gorillaz and Kiss
Ardbeg in Islay revealed the second ultra-rare release in its millennium vintage series: Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old. This highly limited bottling comprises some of the first Ardbeg ever finished in Amontillado sherry casks. Read More
Ballantine’s expanded its True Music Icons series with two new limited-edition bottles, paying tribute to English virtual band Gorillaz and American rock legends Kiss. The annual collection celebrates artists who have shaped music culture. Read More
The Dalmore Debuts 2025 Distillery Select Series as Glenfiddich Partners with Aston Martin F1 for Global Travel Retail Launch
The Dalmore unveiled the 2025 Distillery Select Series, its second edition limited to just 1,303 bottles. The collection features three rare wine-cask-finished single malts, matured in casks from Médoc, the Loire Valley, and Portugal. Read More
Glenfiddich and the Aston Martin Formula One Team launched a global airport campaign to celebrate the Glenfiddich 19 Year Old Limited Edition, a travel retail exclusive created in partnership with the team. The collaboration will roll out across major airports, including London Heathrow, New York, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt. Read More
Weekly Whisky News- 22nd of August
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 22nd August 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Glenmorangie Debuts Altus 25-Year Single Malt and Cotswolds Distillery Launches Woodlands Farm Whisky
Glenmorangie unveiled The Altus 25 Years Old – a decadent new single malt crafted from bourbon casks and finished in Madeira wine casks. Hollywood icon Harrison Ford raises a glass to its heritage in Glenmorangie’s latest campaign. Read More
The Cotswolds Distillery launched Woodlands Farm Whisky, the first release in its second Field to Cask series. This limited-edition collection celebrates the specific locations that have played a role in its journey. Read More
Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Limited Edition, Glen Scotia 12-Year-Old Core Malt, and SMWS ‘Tales of the Worm Tub’ Release.
Glenfiddich Introduced a new limited-edition single malt – Glenfiddich 16 Years Old – to mark the first anniversary of its partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One team. Read More
Glen Scotia added a 12 Year Old single malt to its core range, fully matured in first-fill bourbon casks and crafted in their signature Campbeltown style. Read More
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society released Tales of the Worm Tub, the fourth in its Creators Collection. It features a trio of Speyside whiskies from Craigellachie, Mortlach, and Benrinnes that pay homage to an old school approach to whisky making. Read More
Weekly Whisky News- 8th of August
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 8th August 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Whisky News: Ardbeg Launches Final Anthology Release, Jack Daniel’s Introduces Blackberry, and Whisky Exchange Unveils Exclusive Single Casks.
Ardbeg launches third and final release in the Anthology series: Named after a mythological, serpent-like beast, the third edition in the Ardbeg Anthology series – The Beithir’s Tale – is the Distillery’s first whisky matured in designer bourbon casks. Read More
Jack Daniels launch blackberry: Brown-Forman-owned Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey has added a blackberry flavour to its range. Read More
The Whisky Exchange reveals single cask Glenallachie and Nc’nean whiskies: London-based spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange (TWE) has released two exclusive single cask single malts for August – from two well known distilleries, Glenallachie and Nc’Nean. Read More
Weekly Whisky News- 25th of July
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 25th July 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Whisky News: Fielden Introduces Hazybower and Elixir Distillers Reveals Tormore Legacy Series.
Fielden Whisky launched Hazybower, the second release in its Fieldnotes Collection, celebrating the flora of the English countryside. Limited to just 1,000 bottles, Hazybower continues Fielden’s Fieldnotes story that started with Hedgerow last year. Read More
Elixir Distillers unveiled a new batch of official pre-releases as it prepares for the highly anticipated relaunch of the Tormore single malts range next year. The Legacy series features limited-edition single malts distilled in 2003, 2009, and 2012, marking the first vintage releases from the Speyside-based Tormore Distillery under Elixir Distillers’ ownership. Read More
Whisky News: Gordon & MacPhail to Release Oldest Single Malt, Distillers One of One Previews Exceptional Auction Lots
Gordon & MacPhail announced it will make whisky history in October with the release of the world’s oldest single malt Scotch: an 85 year old Glenlivet. This landmark bottling will officially overtake The Macallan’s 84 year old Time: Space, which was launched in September last year and currently claims the title of the oldest single malt Scotch ever released. Read More
The Distillers One of One revealed the first extraordinary lots for its highly anticipated third auction taking place in October at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. Glencairn Crystal is creating unique decanters for many of the one of a kind lots of whiskies as well as crafting a commemorative Founders Reserve decanter for a special blend of the Founder Donors’ whiskies by Master Whisky Blender, Richard Paterson. Read More
White Peak Distillery
White Peak Distillery
White Peak Distillery
In this Q&A we speak to Max and Claire Vaughan, the husband and wife team who founded the Peak District’s first full-scale craft distillery in the heart of Derbyshire in 2016, where they make Wire Works Whisky.
Neither of you are from a whisky background so what was your inspiration for setting up a distillery and what makes White Peak Distillery special?
Our journey began with pure passion – passion for whisky and for place. Max, a lifelong enthusiast inspired by his father, was introduced to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and became a regular at their Farringdon tasting rooms while we lived in London. It was there that the idea to set up a whisky distillery took root. As a trained accountant, Max opened a file on his laptop that same day and began shaping what would become our business plan.
From the start, we knew we wanted to focus on flavour—creating a distinctive new make spirit where character comes from the craft of whisky-making, not just time in the cask.
Derbyshire, where we grew up and married, has a rich history of brewing, innovation, and industry, yet no legacy of whisky-making. Our vision was simple: to create a unique and authentic English whisky that captures the spirit of this remarkable region.
We set up White Peak Distillery in the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works in Derbyshire’s Derwent Valley that forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, every aspect of the Distillery and its spirits links back to this heritage-rich setting.
What are the key defining characteristics of the Wire Works Whisky range that contribute to its unique identity?
Wire Works Whisky is shaped by our distinctive industrial heritage and guided by a deep commitment to flavour and Derbyshire provenance. Since our First Release in February 2022, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve won various prestigious awards for many of our Wire Works Whisky releases.
We look at every strand of the whisky making process in our pursuit of flavour. To create Wire Works Whisky, we use spent brewer’s yeast from local Thornbridge Brewery, combined with an uncommonly long fermentation for a distinctive new make spirit with character before it goes into a cask.
Wire Works Whisky flavour is built upon our considered approach to whisky-making, resulting in a complex, well-balanced and lightly-peated spirit. The palate and nose deliver fruit forward notes, bonfire toffee and sweet vanilla, with a rich mouth feel and long finish.
We also produce Shining Cliff Gin and White Peak Rum.
As the whisky market continues to evolve - particularly with the rise of English whisky - what key trends are you seeing and how are you adapting to stay ahead of the curve?
We’re seeing growing demand for authenticity, quality, and provenance in whisky, which aligns perfectly with our approach at White Peak. Drinkers today are looking for brands with real stories and transparent processes, and our home, heritage, and full whisky-making journey here in Derbyshire give us a genuine point of difference.
Innovation in whisky-making also remains key. Whether it’s exploring mashing techniques, distillation cut points, barley types, cask fill strength and proofing down, we’re constantly developing new releases that stay true to our lightly-peated Wire Works style while offering something fresh and exciting for whisky lovers.
Ultimately, our focus will always be on quality – making whisky with care, honesty and integrity, without shortcuts. That’s how we honour the trust placed in us by our customers and continue to build Wire Works Whisky for the long term.
How significant is the role of your local region and community in shaping the identity and operations of White Peak Distillery?
The community we form part of is important. Those that worked at the Wire works before us felt the same and we carry this tradition forward. They created a vibrant community life, sponsored activities and events including the annual sports and flower show (largest in England). Johnsons made cables to last, through honesty and innovation.
We’ve developed a true connection with the region. As previously mentioned we use spent brewer’s yeast from a local Peak District brewery – Thornbridge Brewery – who we also partner with on cask experiments too, contributing flavour that is unique to Wire Works Whisky. The design and construction of our distillery includes equipment and engineering sourced locally in county.
The entire process happens on site, from mashing and fermentation, through distillation, maturation and bottling – a full life-cycle of Derbyshire provenance. Each stage of whisky-making is designed to develop layers of flavour and creating a whisky that is a true reflection of Derbyshire’s rich heritage.
What can whisky enthusiasts look forward to discovering when they step inside the distillery for a tour?
On our distillery tour you’ll meet the passionate team behind our spirits, sample our award-winning range, and discover how we honour the site’s rich industrial heritage – drawing inspiration from a legacy of quality and craftsmanship.
Our distillery experiences start from just £18 per person and include a guided tour led by one of our expert Still House team members and tasting of our signature spirits.
How important is your choice of glassware when it comes to whisky tastings?
The glass you choose can transform your whisky experience – shaping the aroma, enhancing the flavour, and unlocking the full character of the dram.
We’re always very particular about using good quality glassware to showcase our spirits to their fullest potential. The Glencairn Glass is a great glass for whisky as its wide bowl allows the spirit to breathe and reveals the depth of its colour, while the tapered rim helps to concentrate the aromas.
Weekly Whisky News- 18th of July
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 18th July 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Whisky Milestones: The English Turns 18, Big Ben Honoured by Murray McDavid and the House of Commons, SLANJ Makes Its Debut.
To celebrate its 18th anniversary, England’s oldest licensed whisky distillery, The English, has released 60 decanters of its inaugural cask, 001. The oldest English whisky ever bottled, it was first matured in a first-fill ex-Bourbon cask, finished for 12 months in a sherry hogshead, then returned to its original cask. Read More
To mark 166 years since Big Ben’s iconic chimes first echoed across Westminster, Murray McDavid and the House of Commons joined forces to unveil The Elizabeth Tower. This rare 35 year old single grain Scotch whisky was created to honour the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower – the home of Big Ben. Read More
SLANJ, a new blended malt Scotch whisky, was launched by Brian and Craig Halley, founders of SLANJ Kilts, along with Stuart Montgomerie. The blend is made from 70% Speyside single malt matured in sherry casks and 30% Highland single malt matured in bourbon casks. Actor Rory McCann, known for his role as The Hound in Game of Thrones, is one of the brand’s investors. Read more
Weekly Whisky News- 11th of July
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 11th July 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Whisky News Round-Up: Falkland Whisky Debuts First Single Malt, Ardnamurchan Backs Maclean Brothers’ Pacific Row, Glen Scotia Honours King Charles III
Fife-based Falkland Whisky launched its first single malt: The Falkland Collection Speyside Single Malt. Distilled in Speyside and matured in oloroso Sherry casks from Spain, it’s inspired by the historic royal burgh of Falkland where Scotland’s first recorded whisky distillation took place in 1494. Read More
As the Maclean brothers row across the Pacific, Ardnamurchan Distillery announced it will donate £5 from every UK sale of Maclean’s Nose until 14 August to the Maclean Foundation, funding clean water projects in Madagascar. Inspired by their father, whisky legend Charlie Maclean, this blended Scotch whisky offers notes of citrus, sea salt, and bonfire. Read More
Glen Scotia Distillery presented King Charles III with a bespoke bottle of its 25-Year-Old single malt whisky during his recent visit to Campbeltown. Matured in American oak casks and finished in first-fill bourbon barrels, the whisky showcases Glen Scotia’s signature coastal character. Read more
Weekly Whisky News- 4th of July
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday, 4th July 2025
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
New Whisky Releases: Glenmorangie Joins Formula One and Glenfiddich Celebrates Aston Martin Formula One, plus The Heart Cut Teams Up with Lochlea.
Glenmorangie’s new role as the official whisky of Formula 1 was announced by Hollywood icon Harrison Ford. The partnership kicks off at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend where fans can enjoy cocktails and the exclusive Eagle Speedster Jaguar E-Type driven by Ford in Glenmorangie’s latest advertising campaign. Read More
Glenfiddich unveiled an ultra-rare Scotch whisky to celebrate its landmark partnership with Aston Martin Formula One. Available exclusively at Harrods, Glenfiddich 1959 honours the year Aston Martin debuted in F1. Read More
The Heart Cut revealed its latest release in collaboration with single-estate distillery Lochlea. Handpicked by Lochlea Master Blender Jill Boyd, this unpeated single malt was matured in an ex-Islay whisky cask to give it subtle, smoky notes drawn entirely from the cask. Read More
Gleann Mòr Marks 10 Years with Rare Summer Scotch Collection, Dunville’s Unveils 23-Year-Old PX Finish.
Gleann Mòr Spirits celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of its 2025 Summer Collection Rare Find scotch whiskies showcasing experimental cask-matured single malts from Craigellachie, Annandale, Glenglassaugh, Pulteney, and Braeval. Read More
Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has added its most mature expression yet to its Exceptional Sherry Cask Finishes range: Dunville’s PX 23 Year Old Single Malt. Aged 23 years and finished for nearly six in Pedro Ximénez sherry hogsheads, it is the oldest release in the brand’s core lineup. Read More