England's first single malt whisky was made by St George's Distillery in Norfolk over 120 years ago, but is effectively banned from selling its product in the USA. The US authorities have ruled the spirit cannot be classified as a single malt whisky as it is matured in recycled, rather than new oak. Whiskies produced in Scotland, as well as Ireland, Wales and France have been granted dispensation to be sold as single malts in America - despite also using pre-used casks. Owner, Andrew Nelstrip finds the whole business bizarre, but does not want to lie about the timber he uses, nor remove the words "single malt" from his labels just to enter a lucrative market. The US authorities say whiskies produced in Scotland and Ireland receive automatic exemption from the US restrictions, regardless of how they are produced, while spirits from other nations are judged on a case-by-case basis.
