The English Distillery marks 80 years of VE Day

England’s oldest registered whisky distillery, The English Distillery, has partnered with Norfolk-based charity Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) to launch a single malt to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, was the day celebrated on 8 May 1945 that marked the formal end of World War Two in Europe following Germany's surrender the previous day. The single malt created to mark the anniversary of the occasion has been aged in a marriage of ex-Bourbon and virgin oak casks, which has contributed to the whisky's aromas of sweet toffee, ripe bananas and burnt sugar that mingle with soft tropical fruits, vanilla sponge, a hint of pepper and rich honeycomb, alongside the flavours of sticky toffee, crisp apples, pears, milk chocolate, brown sugar and a gentle ginger on the palate. It boasts a crisp, fresh and oaky finish. Limited to only 3,000 bottles, the decanters have been designed to be ‘treasured for years to come as a special keepsake of this momentous occasion’. Each bottle is priced at £65 (US$86), and £2 from each one sold will be donated directly to WWTW, which leads the way in helping UK ex-servicemen and women struggling to adapt to civilian life receive one-to-one help to recover their wellbeing. Kate Tabain, director of fundraising and communications at WWTW, said: “WWTW are thrilled to once again be partnering with The English Distillery to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Not only will the bottle acknowledge the sacrifices of so many to ensure peace in Europe, but all donations raised will be used to support veterans, whose service has maintained that peace.” The whisky, which rests at 46% ABV, is available to purchase on the distillery’s website. This week (19-27 April) is the inaugural English Whisky Week, hosted by the The English Whisky Guild.