How Did a Yorkshire Distillery Win a World Whisky Award With Regenerative Farming?

A distillery in Yorkshire is getting a lot of attention, and for good reason. They've just picked up a major award for one of their single malt whiskies. But this isn't just about making a brilliant drink. It's about a story that starts right in the soil of their own farm, using some really clever farming ideas. Their whisky, Filey Bay Nurture, just won a Gold Medal at the prestigious World Whisky Masters, proving that caring for the land can lead to world-class spirits.

A gold medal for a very special whisky

The team at Yorkshire's first single malt distillery are probably feeling pretty chuffed right now. Their creation, Filey Bay Nurture, has been given a Gold Medal in a massive international competition. This wasn't just any local contest; it was the World Whisky Masters Awards. Think of it like the Olympics for spirits. The whisky won in the 'Europe - Single Malt' category (which doesn't include the usual suspects, Scotland and Ireland), putting this Yorkshire distillery firmly on the world map. For a whisky that only appeared on Waitrose shelves back in April, that's a pretty big deal. This competition brings together experts from all over the globe to judge the best spirits, so a win here means you're doing something very right.

What makes this single malt so different?

Okay, so what's the secret? It all comes down to the farm. The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery, based in the village of Hunmanby, is one of a tiny number in the whole world that uses 100% homegrown barley. And not just any barley. They use regeneratively farmed barley. So, what does that actually mean?

• Regenerative farming isn't just about not using chemicals. It's about actively making the soil healthier.
• Instead of just taking from the land, the farming practices are designed to put life back into it.
• This means healthier soil, which means healthier crops, which they believe leads to a better-tasting whisky.

They control everything, from planting the seed in their North Yorkshire fields to sealing the bottle. This idea of 'field to bottle' is central to their philosophy. It's about having complete control and ensuring the integrity of their single malt. The whisky has a real sense of place because it literally comes from the land it's made on. This connection gives the whisky its unique provenance, a story of its origin you can taste in the glass. The Regenerative Editions, of which Nurture is the first, are all about telling this deeper story of their innovative farming.

A chat with the whisky director, Joe Clark

The person steering the ship is the Whisky Director, Joe Clark. He's clearly passionate about what they're creating. He said:

"Filey Bay Nurture is a whisky that tells the story of how and why we farm and distil the way we do. For it to be recognised for its quality and flavour on the world stage is a huge moment for us. By marrying ex-Bourbon matured whisky with whisky from re-coopered Red Wine casks, we've created something that captures both character and complexity - a whisky to savour, wherever and whenever it's enjoyed."

Let's break that down. Joe Clark highlights two key things. First, the story. The story is their commitment to these special regenerative farming practices. Second, the flavour. They blend whisky aged in two different types of barrels. Some of it sits in ex-Bourbon casks (barrels that once held American whiskey, which gives flavours like vanilla and caramel). The rest is aged in re-coopered red wine casks. 'Re-coopered' just means the barrels have been taken apart, shaved, and re-toasted to bring them back to life, adding fruity, spicy notes from the red wine they once held. This mix is what gives the Filey Bay Nurture its complex character.

So, what does it actually taste like?

According to the experts, the Nurture single malt is described as being soft, fruity, and down-to-earth. It has a creamy sweetness with notes of malt and biscuit. Sounds pretty lovely, right? Here's a quick look at what to expect from this award-winning malt:

Flavour Profile	Description
Overall Vibe	Soft and fruity
Sweetness	Creamy and gentle
Key Notes	Malt, biscuit

This whisky is part of a special series called the Regenerative Editions. This suggests that the distillery plans to release more whiskies that celebrate their unique farming practices. For anyone who loves whisky with a good story and a real connection to its place of origin, this is something to watch. The success of this bottling in such a tough competition shows that their focus on the farm is paying off.

Where you can find this award-winning spirit

After hearing all that, you might be keen to try it. Since its launch in April, Filey Bay Nurture has been available exclusively in selected Waitrose stores across the UK, including Jersey and Guernsey. It's also available on their website. A 70cl bottle of this award-winning single malt whisky will set you back £60. It's bottled at 46.5% ABV, a strength that many whisky fans appreciate for delivering full flavour. Finding a world-class whisky from a Yorkshire distillery in a major supermarket is a sign of how far English whisky has come.

Why this matters for the world of whisky

This isn't just a win for one distillery; it's a big moment for English whisky and for sustainable spirits in general. The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery has shown that a commitment to regenerative farming practices doesn't just benefit the environment; it can result in a product that stands up against the best in the world. The Gold Medal from the World Whisky Masters competition isn't just a shiny sticker for the bottle. It's global recognition for a philosophy rooted in integrity and provenance. When a distillery uses its own homegrown barley, nurtured on its own farm with regenerative methods, it creates a spirit with a true sense of place. You're not just tasting a generic single malt; you're tasting the soil, the climate, and the dedication of the people from that specific part of Yorkshire. The work of people like Joe Clark and the entire team at the Hunmanby farm and distillery is pushing the boundaries of what whisky can be. This world award for Filey Bay Nurture proves that the future of whisky might just be a little bit greener. And a lot more delicious. The success of this competition entry shines a light on the quality of spirits being produced outside of the traditional whisky-making regions, all thanks to some exceptional barley and thoughtful farming.