Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • September 12th, 2026
|Yorkshire's first single malt whisky distillery is celebrating a significant milestone with the recent approval of a protected geographical indication (GI) status for English whisky. This important decision was made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and it marks a major step for the distillery and the wider English whisky industry.
Spirit Of Yorkshire Distillery's Role
Located in Hunmanby, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild. With the new GI status, consumers can now be assured that any whisky labelled as "English" is made from UK grain and English water, and that it is distilled and matured in England. This means that English whisky will have a recognised standard, similar to Scotch whisky from Scotland, Welsh whisky, and Irish whiskey.
Jenni Ashwood, the marketing director at Spirit of Yorkshire, explained the significance of this development:
“This GI has been painstakingly developed over a number of years, to protect the quality, integrity and focus on provenance and flavour that has defined English Whisky over the past two decades.”
She emphasised that this new status will allow English whisky to flourish and thrive in the future.
Support For British Agriculture
An exciting aspect of the GI status is its requirement that all English whisky must be made from UK cereal grain. This stipulation directly supports British farmers and agriculture.
Ashwood added:
“As farmers, as well as distillers, we’re particularly pleased that the GI stipulates that to be labelled an ‘English whisky’ it must be made from UK cereal grain.”
This connection between whisky production and local agriculture not only ensures quality but also strengthens the economy by keeping production close to home.
Economic Impact And Growth
David Thompson, managing director of Spirit of Yorkshire, also praised the GI status, saying:
“Congratulations to the team at the English Whisky Guild for their work on this important GI application that has established a legal definition of English whisky in line with the three other UK nations.”
He noted that English whisky is the fastest-growing spirit in the UK, with the market currently valued at around £1 billion. This growth contributes significantly to both the economy and tourism in the region. The approval of the GI status is expected to have a ripple effect across local communities, creating jobs and attracting investment.
Environment Secretary Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP remarked:
“The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass. Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky's distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production.”
A New Era For English Whisky
The English Whisky Guild, formed in 2022, aims to elevate English whisky to be recognised worldwide as a respected choice for whisky enthusiasts. With the GI status now in place, the guild can further promote the unique qualities of English whisky and ensure that it is seen as a viable alternative to more established brands. Spirit of Yorkshire is one of just five whisky distilleries in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainable practices; it is one of the few distilleries globally that grows 100% of its regeneratively farmed barley used in whisky production. This dedication not only enhances the quality of the whisky but also supports environmental sustainability.
