From Heritage Grain to Glass at White Peak Distillery
Wire Works Heritage Chevallier Limited Edition – 999 bottles – 57.3% ABV – £79
Introducing Wire Works Heritage Chevallier, the very first unpeated single malt to be bottled by White Peak Distillery and a release which explores flavour and heritage; not only through place and process, but also through grain — returning to an ancient English barley variety that once helped shape the flavours of British beer and whisky.
Chevallier is a heritage barley variety that was dominant in England from the 1820’s to 1920’s. Chevallier was prized for its high alcohol yield, plump grain size and the depth of flavour it brought to brewing and whisky-making. Superceded through the 20th century in the pursuit of agricultural yield, with modern varieties better suited to mechanical harvesting and giving improved disease resistance.
In recent years, Chevallier has been revived by specialist maltster, Crisp Maltings, working closely with farmers and researchers. And not because it’s now easier to grow, but because it offers something distinctive. Its return has been driven by brewers and distillers interested in texture, depth and character. Its revival allows us to revisit a grain that once helped shape the flavour profile of British beer and whisky — reconnecting contemporary whisky-making to its agricultural roots.
Derbyshire has a long and proud brewing history, and that influence runs deeply through Wire Works Whisky. Our whisky-making approach borrows heavily from brewing knowledge: long fermentations, live brewer’s yeast, and a focus on building flavour before distillation ever begins.
That brewing mindset makes heritage barley especially compelling. Chevallier is well known in brewing circles for its rich malt character, creamy texture and distinctive flavour profile — qualities we were keen to explore in our early years of distilling. Its robust maltiness and subtle marmalade character translate beautifully into new-make spirit.
“The initial new make was amazing and after years in ex-bourbon barrels we’re excited to offer one of the first, contemporary era whiskies made from Chevallier malt.”
Max Vaughan Co-founder
Matured entirely in first-fill ex-bourbon casks to allow the character of the barley to shine, this whisky is rich and sweet, with herbaceous, biscuity, grassy and gently spicy notes, all wrapped in an indulgent, creamy texture.
Limited Edition – 999 bottles – 🔥 57.3% ABV – £79
