Hawkridge Distillers near Newbury launches debut single malt whisky in partnership with celebrity chef Alain Roux

A Hampstead Norreys-based distilling company has launched its debut whisky in partnership with a celebrity chef.

Hawkridge Distillers has released a single malt whisky in collaboration with Michelin-starred British chef Alain Roux, chef-patron of The Waterside Inn in Bray and son of French restaurateur Michel Roux.

Hawkridge’s debut whisky is a single malt aged in oak bourbon barrels and is said to be “imbued with honeyed sweetness, toasted oak, and a hint of orchard fruits”.

It is crafted with a blend of English barley, pure water, and state-of-the-art distilling techniques and carefully selected oak casks have been hand-picked by Hawkridge staff to produce this initial release.

Hawkridge managing director Phil Howarth said: “English whisky is on the rise, and we’re proud to be part of its exciting resurgence.

“With this beautiful single malt, we’ve embraced England’s unique terroir and approach to whisky-making to create something genuinely special.

“This is a whisky that not only honours tradition but also pushes boundaries.”

Hawkridge single malt whisky is available to purchase on the Hawkridge website and at selected retailers nationwide. 70cl bottles of the 40 per cent spirit cost £43.