What Makes Yorkshire’s Award-Winning Whisky So Special?

If you thought Yorkshire was just about tea, cricket, and rolling green hills, think again. The county’s first-ever single malt whisky distillery, Spirit of Yorkshire, has just scooped a gold medal for its flagship whisky. And this isn’t just any old award—it’s recognition from the W Club Members' Choice Awards 2024, putting their Filey Bay Flagship whisky in the same league as world-renowned names like Glen Scotia and Talisker.

But what makes this win so special? Let’s break it down.

The Little Distillery with big dreams

Based in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, Spirit of Yorkshire may not have centuries of history behind it like some of its competitors, but that’s what makes this gold medal even more remarkable. Their flagship whisky, which is described as light, fruity, and creamy, stood out in the “Single Malt (Non-Age Statement)” category—a fiercely competitive group where Glen Scotia’s Double Cask took the top spot. Alongside Talisker’s Port Ruighe and Glen Scotia’s Victoriana, Filey Bay Flagship shone brightly, proving that Yorkshire whisky is well and truly on the map.

Joe Clark, the distillery’s whisky director, summed up the win perfectly:

“This award is judged on blind tastings by whisky drinkers nationwide and puts us alongside two of the biggest names in world whisky. Compared to Glen Scotia and Talisker, who have been making amazing whisky since the 1830s, we’ve not yet reached our first decade of producing field-to-bottle whisky. This is a huge win for us.”

It’s not every day a young distillery gets to share the limelight with brands that have been around for nearly 200 years, is it?

What exactly is the W Club awards?

If you’re wondering what makes the W Club Members' Choice Awards such a big deal, it’s all about fairness and honesty. Organised by The Whisky Shop, one of the UK’s leading spirits retailers, these awards cut through the noise of fancy labels and hefty price tags. Members taste the whiskies blind—meaning they have no idea who made them—and rate them on:

• Nose/Aroma
• Mouthfeel and Taste
• Finish
• Overall Impression

According to awards manager Luke Crowley-Holland, this approach removes any biases and ensures the best whiskies truly shine. In other words, Spirit of Yorkshire’s Flagship didn’t win because of clever marketing. It won because people genuinely loved it.

What’s so special about Filey Bay Flagship?

Let’s talk about the whisky itself. Filey Bay Flagship is crafted using 100% homegrown barley (grown right there in Yorkshire!) and follows a "field-to-bottle" philosophy. This means the team controls every step of the process, from planting the barley to pouring the whisky into the bottle. Not many distilleries can say that.

The whisky, which has a light, fruity, and creamy profile, matures in ex-Bourbon barrels—a choice that gives it a smooth, approachable flavour. First launched in October 2020, a 70cl bottle costs £55, making it an affordable treat for whisky enthusiasts.

And it’s not just this gold medal that’s bringing the team at Spirit of Yorkshire cause to celebrate. Earlier in 2024, their whiskies scooped seven awards at the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC), including another gold. Clearly, they’re on a roll.

Why this matters for Yorkshire (and Whisky fans everywhere)

Winning such a prestigious award not only shines a spotlight on Spirit of Yorkshire but also proves that Yorkshire can hold its own in the whisky world. It’s not just Scotland or Ireland that can produce top-tier single malts—Yorkshire is making waves too.

If you’re a whisky lover, it’s worth giving Filey Bay Flagship a try. It’s not every day you get to taste something that’s been grown, distilled, and bottled in one place—especially when that place is the stunning Yorkshire coast. Plus, knowing it’s been blind-tasted and approved by everyday whisky drinkers makes it all the more satisfying.

Where can you get it?

If you’re itching to try Filey Bay Flagship for yourself, you’re in luck. It’s available nationwide at specialist spirits retailers and online via www.spiritofyorkshire.com. At £55 a bottle, it’s the perfect way to support a homegrown brand while enjoying a high-quality dram.

So, next time you’re looking for something new to sip on, why not give Yorkshire’s award-winning whisky a go? Whether you’re an aficionado or just someone who likes a good drink, this gold-medal winner deserves a place on your shelf. Cheers to that!