The Norfolk Farmers

https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/on-location-the-english-whisky-company/

And if you think whisky is only about nosing and tasting, think again. ’Why the cat in a bowler hat?’ asks AD. Answer: First of all, the bowler hat or Coke was designed in Norfolk:

‘Although the Coke (pronounced “cook”) is celebrated for its style now, its creation stems from something altogether more sensible: nobleman Edward Coke, younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, wanted a superior hat to that of the top hat which kept falling off his gamekeepers’ heads on the Holkham Hall estate in Norfolk. Coke wanted to create a hat that was hardy enough to protect heads from low-hanging branches and poacher attacks so on 25th August 1849, he trod the boards of Lock to place an order.

A prototype was swiftly made by Lock’s chief hatmaker, Thomas Bowler, hence how it received its other more recognisable moniker. On inspection, Edward Coke tossed the hat to the floor – and proceeded to jump on it to assess its durability. It duly passed this colourful test and the bill for 12 shillings was settled. To this day the Earl of Leicester continues to purchase the hat, to which his ancestor gave his name, for his gamekeepers after they have completed one year of service’. lockhatters.co.uk

As for the cat, the Norfolk farmer’s label originally sported an English gentleman in a bowler but was considered too twee, too predictable. The cat offered a refreshing twist but has no significance to the whisky or hats or the distillery whatsoever.

N: Creamy malty cocoa.
T: Unbelievably vivid milky/creamy mocha and cocoa, and with a fizzy spiciness.
F: The cocoa continues with some creaminess at the end.
C: I’m surprised to see they are still selling the same batch from last year. Basic yet very unique grain whisky.Scores a D+