2021 Filey Bay Yorkshire Day Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Tom Mellor and David Thompson founded The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in 2016. Tom, an arable farmer who established the Wold Top Brewery in 2013, had the idea of opening a whisky distillery in conjunction. He partnered with marketing expert David to create the new venture. The barley used for both beer and whisky is grown on Tom’s fields, with milling, mashing and fermentation taking place at the brewery 4.5 miles away from the distillery.

Legendary distillery consultant Jim Swan assisted Tom and David in planning the distillery before his untimely death in 2017. The house style aims to be similar to the fruit-forward yet delicate Glenlivet. The young Master Distiller Joe Clark oversees production, and maturation occurs primarily in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks from Old Forester, although experimentation with other cask types and finishing is also prevalent.

Unlike other new whisky distilleries across the UK, Spirit of Yorkshire has no intention to delve into the gin or rum market. Their focus remains on whisky production, with a recent release of a Whisky and Malt Spirit Cream Liqueur as their only concession to non-whisky drinkers.

Their Yorkshire Day 2021 Edition is a limited run of 1500 bottles at 55% ABV. After initial maturation in Bourbon casks, the whisky is finished in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks, resulting in an intense, fruit-packed flavor reminiscent of a dark cake, with a thick, unctuous mouthfeel. If you enjoy Aberlour A’Bunadh or Glendronach, this is the whisky for you!