Review / Wire Works Alter Ego

This new whisky is the latest limited edition single malt from the English distillery of White Peak.  The Wire Works Alter Ego uses the distillery's signature lightly peated single malt but with a twist. The release sees spirit used that has been distilled using alternate cut points on the still. This has resulted in different peat characteristics and caused fruitier elements to appear. This rare spirit has been matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled at 51.8% ABV. Wire Works Alter Ego is available from the distillery shop and via www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk. It will also be sold through selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK. A bottle will cost £65. 

The White Peak distillery was founded in 2017 by Max and Claire Vaughan. It is located in the village of Ambergate near Matlock, Derbyshire. This is in the Peak District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The distillery is housed within the former Johnson & Nephew copper wire factory on the banks of the River Derwent. This was the inspiration behind the name of Wire Works for the brand. They also produce rum and gin, as well as supporting the local community in eco-friendly and sustainability projects. It is Derbyshire's first ever craft whisky distillery. 

 

"Alter Ego is an example of how we are exploring and developing different approaches during our whisky-making to reveal new personality in our spirit. We are still on a learning curve and it is exciting to share this with our customers." 

Max Vaughan / Founder of White Peak.

 

Our tasting notes

 

The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is sweet and uplifting. Aromas of vanilla custard, green apple and lemon curd lead the way and are well supported by some white chocolate, freshly buttered croissant and a pinch of cocoa powder. There are also aromas of toasted marshmallow, oat cookies and a whiff of soft peat smoke.

On the palate this whisky is much more smoky than the nose suggested. The soft and gentle peat is more ashy and peppery now with plenty of charcoal and bonfire ember-like notes. This is well balanced and supported by some delicious sweetness and juicy ripe fruitiness. The sweetness is lead by a distinct golden syrup note but also some caramel, butterscotch and a hint of that marshmallow from the nose. Crisp green apple and tropical fruits are also to the fore - think of mango, peach and a hint of pineapple.

There are savoury notes lurking in the background. Bitter chocolate and a suggestion of espresso coffee sit nicely alongside some warming oak and baking spices - think of freshly sawn oak plus cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. There are also some underlying earthy cereal characteristics, which add good structure to the whisky. A twist of lemon zest and hint of orange oil round things off superbly.

The finish is long and pulled out by the baking spices and gentle peat smoke. Both become more dominant, hotter and more peppery with time. This is especially true once the sweeter and fruitier elements have faded somewhat. A mouthwatering ashy quality also elongates the finish with a bitter and slightly herbal twist coming right at the close.

What's the verdict?

This is another fine single malt from White Peak, who really seem to be carving a space for themselves at the forefront of the English whisky scene. The are doing many things correctly and producing some fine whiskies. It is easy to see why they are winning so many awards so early on in their development. Alter Ego is heavier and a little oilier than other releases that we have sampled. The smoke is still well balanced with the other characteristics and this makes it well worth a try.