Cooper King Distillery Launches 2026 English Whisky Map Featuring 69 Distilleries

The world of English whisky is thriving, and the latest edition of the English Whisky Map showcases this exciting growth. Cooper King Distillery, based in Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, has just released the 8th edition of the map, which now features a total of 69 distilleries across England. This marks a significant increase from the 61 distilleries counted in 2025, revealing a 13% rise in just one year.

What’s New in the 2026 Edition?

The 8th edition of the English Whisky Map illustrates a vibrant scene within the whisky-making community. It showcases a wide variety of distilleries, from well-established brands producing large quantities to micro-distilleries that are just beginning their journey in whisky production. This diversity is reflected in the different styles, ingredients, and flavour profiles, making English whisky a unique category in the global market.

According to Dave Broom, an expert on whisky and author of The World Atlas of Whisky, the perception of English whisky has completely changed. He stated, “The days of the notion of whisky being made in England being seen as bizarre are, thankfully, long gone. It has joined the ever-expanding whisky world as a valued and respected player. There is no single ‘English’ style; rather, there is a sense of liberation and freedom.” This suggests that England is emerging as a creative force in the whisky industry.

Key Facts and Figures

The new map brings several interesting statistics to light:

• 69 whisky distilleries now operate in England, a rise from 61 in 2025.

• Out of these, 40 distilleries offer mature whisky, meaning it has aged for at least 3 years in casks and is available for purchase.

• Additionally, 25 distilleries have whisky casks that are still maturing and have not yet reached the 3-year mark.

• Among these, 6 distilleries are expected to release their first whisky later in 2026.

• The South West of England holds the highest concentration of distilleries, with 17 located in that region.

There is also a remarkable range in the size of operations. For instance, Cotswolds Distillery boasts a spirit still capacity of 6500 litres, while the smaller Ludlow Distillery operates with just 200 litres. This variety illustrates the different approaches to whisky production found in England.

How to Get the Map

• A fully illustrated A2 print edition for £12.

• A high-resolution digital edition that can be downloaded for £5 from the Cooper King website.

Chris Jaume, co-founder of Cooper King Distillery, expressed the joy of producing the map, stating, “Producing the map is a labour of love but one that celebrates the camaraderie of our industry, and it’s always a delight to welcome new distilleries to the fold.” This reflects the community spirit within the English whisky sector.

Exploring the Future of English Whisky

For anyone interested in whisky, the 2026 English Whisky Map serves as a valuable resource, providing insights into the expanding category and encouraging exploration of local distilleries. With its rich diversity and commitment to quality, English whisky is undoubtedly carving out its own unique identity on the global stage.