Fielden Whisky: The Spirit of the Field
As I sit here, sipping on a dram of Fielden Rye Whisky, I am transported to the rolling hills of Yorkshire, where the company’s new distillery is set to open its doors. The rebranding of Oxford Artisan Distillery to Fielden Whisky of England marks a new chapter in the company’s journey, and I am excited to explore what this means for whisky enthusiasts.
A Commitment to Heritage Grains
Fielden’s commitment to using heritage grains, grown through Restorative Continuous Grain Cropping (R-CGC), sets them apart from other distilleries. This approach not only promotes biodiversity but also results in a more complex flavor profile. I am reminded of a conversation I had with a farmer who told me that the key to a good whisky is not just the distillation process, but the quality of the grains used.
“We really want to grow this farming movement,” said Mark Harvey, Fielden’s managing director of sales and marketing.
A New Chapter in Yorkshire
The decision to relocate to Yorkshire was driven by the need for expansion, and the new distillery will increase production capacity from 30,000 liters to 450,000 liters annually. The company has also secured a UK distribution deal with Berry Bros & Rudd, and a program of launches is planned in key export markets.
Debut Release: Fielden Rye Whisky
To coincide with the rebrand, Fielden has released its first core whisky, Fielden Rye Whisky. Made with the last batch of Oxford Artisan Distillery whisky, this expression comprises 90% maslin (a mix of rye and wheat that varies field by field) and 10% malted barley. Double-distilled in both pot and column stills, the liquid was matured in American oak casks and a selection of ex-wine casks.
Fielden Rye Whisky, the debut release from Fielden Whisky of England
The bottle design, which features an image of a field, is meant to evoke the sense of being in the home of heritage grain. The design conveys the benefits of farming for biodiversity and wildlife, and I must say, it’s a beautiful tribute to the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Yearly Releases and Limited Editions
Fielden plans to release a harvest-specific whisky every year, coinciding with Lammas Day on August 1st. The first release will be a harvest 2019 whisky, and limited edition releases will be available from October this year.
As I finish my dram, I am left with a sense of excitement for what’s to come from Fielden Whisky of England. The company’s commitment to heritage grains, sustainable practices, and high-quality whisky is a breath of fresh air in the industry.
 The picturesque Yorkshire countryside, where Fielden Whisky of England’s new distillery is set to open
