Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • July 9th, 2026
|Yorkshire's first single malt whisky distillery, Spirit of Yorkshire, is celebrating a significant milestone—its tenth anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the distillery is releasing its very first age statement whisky, a 10-year-old single cask whisky that promises to delight whisky enthusiasts.
Exclusive Release
The new whisky, named Filey Bay 10 Year Old Single Cask ‘Decade of Distilling’, will be launched during a masterclass at the distillery's anniversary Open Weekend, taking place on 1st and 2nd August. This exclusive release is limited to only 192 bottles, making it a rare find for collectors and fans alike. The whisky was distilled and casked in summer 2016, and attendees of the masterclass will have the unique opportunity to be the first to taste and take home this special bottling.
What to Expect
David Thompson, co-founder of Spirit of Yorkshire, expressed excitement about the release:
“Be the first to both try and take home our ‘Decade of Distilling’ Single Cask, the first 10-year-old age-statement Yorkshire whisky. It shows how our distillery style has matured over the past ten years.”
He described the whisky as light, fruity, and complex, with delightful flavours of barley sugar, biscuit, citrus, and caramel.
During the masterclass, participants will enjoy over an hour of tastings, discussions, and stories about the distillery's journey over the past decade. Attendees can look forward to sampling various whiskies that reflect the evolution of Spirit of Yorkshire’s production methods.
Masterclass Details
The Decade of Distilling Masterclasses will be held at 1 pm and 3 pm on both days of the Open Weekend. Each session is limited to just 50 participants, with tickets priced at £250. This price includes the masterclass experience and the exclusive opportunity to purchase the special 10-year-old whisky.
For those who wish to experience the celebrations without attending the masterclass, general access tickets for the Tenth Anniversary Open Weekend are available for £20 in advance (£5 for children). This ticket grants access to a tour of the distillery, three drams of whisky, and a nosing glass to take home.
About Spirit of Yorkshire
Spirit of Yorkshire is a true field-to-bottle distillery, meaning the whisky is made entirely from barley grown on their own farm, ensuring quality and sustainability. This single estate approach is rare, as it allows the distillery to control every aspect of production, from the field where the barley is grown to the bottle that holds the finished product.
Located in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, the distillery uses 100% homegrown barley and draws water from aquifers beneath the farm. The whisky is distilled using a unique configuration of stills, including a four-plate copper column still and two of the largest Forsyth pot stills in the UK outside Scotland. This innovative method is believed to be exclusive to England, setting Spirit of Yorkshire apart from other distilleries.
A Growing Reputation
Over the years, Spirit of Yorkshire has gained recognition in the spirits industry. It was named one of the top 50 spirits producers in the world by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2025, highlighting its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The collaboration between farmer and brewer Tom Mellor and business partner David Thompson has resulted in a whisky that is not only delicious but also reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Yorkshire. Filey Bay single malt whisky is now available throughout the UK and is gradually expanding into international markets.
The tenth anniversary celebrations at Spirit of Yorkshire offer a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to engage with the distillery's history and production process. Whether it's tasting the exclusive 10-year-old whisky or simply enjoying the atmosphere during the Open Weekend, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
