Fielden, the English whisky producer, has unveiled Hedgerow, the inaugural release in a four-part whisky series known as Fieldnotes. This annual collection draws inspiration from the flavour profile of Fielden’s signature Fielden Rye Whisky, and celebrates the English countryside where the distillery cultivates its rye, wheat, and barley.

The Fieldnotes series comprises four chapters, each highlighting one of the distinct flavour profiles found in Fielden Rye Whisky: fruity and creamy, fresh and delicate, pastry and nutty, and earthy and spicy.

“With each release, we aim to explore the core essence of Fielden Rye Whisky and dive deep into its flavour complexities, shaped by the natural elements of the fields where our grains grow,” says Francisco ‘Chico’ Rosa, master distiller at Fielden.

At the heart of Fielden’s production is a unique approach to sourcing heritage grains. These grains, grown sustainably across 2,200 acres in the UK, are part of genetically diverse field blends that revitalize traditional agricultural practices.

Hedgerow, the first in the series, captures the fruity and creamy elements of Fielden Rye Whisky, paying homage to the vibrant plant life found along the field borders surrounding Fielden’s heritage grain fields.

According to Rosa, Hedgerow embodies “the lush, green boundaries between our fields, where hazels and elders grow among apple trees and dark fruits like damsons, sloes, and blackberries. The whisky’s flavour bursts with fresh blossom, baked apples, jammy berries, and custard, all layered over the herbal and spicy rye notes, with hints of hazelnut and vanilla.”

The complexity of Hedgerow is further enhanced by four carefully selected cask types. American oak barrels impart fruity, creamy qualities, while a Sauternes barrique adds stone fruit notes to complement the rye’s spice. A vintage Port barrique, once used for Champagne, contributes jammy characteristics and fresh red berries, reflecting the dark fruits growing in the field’s hedgerows.

Limited to just 1,000 bottles, each individually numbered, Hedgerow is Fielden’s most exclusive whisky release since its launch in April 2024. It marks a significant moment for the brand, as it is the first release since The Oxford Artisan Distillery’s rebranding to Fielden Whisky of England and its move from Oxford to Yorkshire.

Bottled at 46.1% ABV, Hedgerow is available for £100 (US$132) per 700ml bottle.