A whisky specialist from south Norfolk is putting his money where his mouth is and launching his own New World Whisky range.

Dominic Roskrow is launching Discovery Road, a range of whiskies from across the world in a bid to help the tipple enjoy a renaissance.

Mr Roskrow has spent the last eight years visiting world distilleries from outside traditional areas and is aiming to create a new whisky category known as New World Whisky.

'There are only two ways you can make whisky,' he said. 'You can try and do it like Scotland does, and you will almost certainly fail.

'Or you can dare to be different, make a whisky which reflects your heritage and culture, and adopt local customs, grains and production methods to produce a whisky that is unique.

'That's how I see the best New World whisky – it is in a different category to Scotch or bourbon and comparing it to those categories is as relevant as comparing Aussie Rules footie to Soccer or American Football. It's not better, not worse, just different.'

Mr Roskrow, who lives in Morley St Botolph, near Wymondham, is a founder and director of The Craft Distillers' Alliance, which now has 50 members in 15 countries, says that the whole point of these whiskies is to offer something new.

'For many drinkers in their 20s whisky is unappealing,' he said. 'But whiskies from India, Australia, Texas or Taiwan have the potential to break the mould by being different and creating their own framework. Many of these whiskies are fruity and very good for cocktails.

'Many of them can thrive outside the traditional whisky drinking environment.'

He will launch his first whiskies in early December, a malt from England and a rye from Holland. He has also secured casks from India, Taiwan, France, New Zealand and Sweden.

Mr Roskrow has also launched a rolling tour whisky and music festival under the name Tribe to showcase world whiskies. The event features a two-hour whisky tasting festival before a mini music festival featuring four or five bands. Concert goers are entitled to vouchers to taste world whisky as part of their admission fee.

The first event was held in Leicester in early November events in the New Year are planned for Norwich, Sheffield and Nottingham.