White Peak English Whisky

White Peak Distillery is a young but ambitious English whisky distillery located in Ambergate, Derbyshire, in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 2016 by Max and Claire Vaughan, the distillery was built in a restored former wire works on the banks of the River Derwent. From the outset, White Peak has focused on creating a whisky that not only showcases high-quality ingredients and skilled production, but also reflects the character, history, and environment of its location.

The distillery’s flagship spirit, Wire Works Whisky, takes its name from the site’s industrial heritage, the Johnson & Nephew Wire Works, which once produced some of the finest wire in the world. This nod to local history is central to White Peak’s ethos: a whisky that is rooted in its community and surroundings.

Production is carried out entirely on-site using 100% English-grown malted barley, and fermentation is deliberately long (up to 96 hours) to encourage the development of fruity esters. The stills, crafted by Forsyths of Rothes, are designed to create a spirit with a balance of texture and complexity. A key element of the flavour comes from the use of lightly peated malt, giving the whisky a gentle smokiness that complements its fruit-forward character rather than dominating it.

Cask selection is diverse and carefully managed. The distillery uses a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels, STR (shaved, toasted, and re-charred) red wine casks, and sherry casks, along with other wine and fortified wine casks for finishing. This approach layers vanilla, spice, and dried fruit over the fresh orchard and citrus notes of the new make spirit.

Flavour profiles across the Wire Works range tend to combine orchard fruit, citrus, and honeyed sweetness with a subtle, dry smoke and a backbone of malt richness. Bourbon cask maturation highlights vanilla and toffee, while wine and beer finishes introduce layers of fruit, spice, and depth.

Sustainability and community involvement are key to White Peak’s identity. The distillery sources locally where possible, works with nearby businesses for cask finishes and collaborations, and has invested in renewable energy systems to reduce its environmental impact.

Although relatively new to the market, White Peak has quickly earned recognition, with Wire Works releases receiving praise from both UK and international whisky critics for their balance, character, and originality.

Our White Peak Distillery selection includes core Wire Works expressions and rare limited editions, offering whisky drinkers a chance to explore the evolving style of one of England’s most promising new producers. Whether you’re seeking a gentle introduction to peated English single malt or a unique cask-finished dram, White Peak delivers a combination of authenticity, innovation, and sense of place that sets it apart in the modern whisky landscape.