If you’re someone who loves a good story behind your favourite bottle—or maybe just a whisky fan always on the lookout for something different—this one might be for you. A small distillery in Yorkshire has teamed up with English Heritage to release a whisky that isn’t just about taste—it’s got history in every drop.
Let’s break down what makes this collaboration interesting, and why it’s not just another bottle of whisky on the shelf.
A whisky that’s rooted in Yorkshire—and its past
So here’s the deal: Spirit of Yorkshire, a distillery based in Hunmanby, has launched a special whisky called Filey Bay Heritage Edition. And it’s not just popping up in your local off-licence—it’s being sold at 40 English Heritage sites all across the country. Yep, places like medieval castles, ancient Roman ruins, and Victorian forts now come with their own bottle of whisky. Kind of cool, right?
This bottle’s been described as “light, fruity and full of life,” with honey and caramel notes. It’s been aged in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which just means it’s had time to pick up some sweet, rich flavours from barrels that once held bourbon and sherry.
Made from Yorkshire barley—grown just down the road
What makes this whisky properly special is how local it really is. All the barley used to make it is grown on the family farm that’s basically next door to the distillery, where the Yorkshire Wolds meet the North Sea. That’s a lot of character in a small patch of land.
Joe Clark, the whisky director at Spirit of Yorkshire, put it like this:
“Our ethos is about respecting tradition but doing things our way, so that future generations can enjoy and love the land too.”
It’s not just about making good whisky—it’s about keeping things sustainable, and holding onto the land and traditions for the long haul.
Why team up with English Heritage?
For Spirit of Yorkshire, this isn’t just a one-off fancy release. It’s about connecting what they do with the bigger story of English heritage—literally. English Heritage, the charity that looks after over 400 historical places across England, is all about keeping the past alive. And they reckon this whisky fits right in with that.
As Tracy Davoile, a buyer for English Heritage, said:
“Conserving our heritage is as much about creating a sustainable future, as it is about celebrating the past.”
So yeah, this bottle’s helping do more than just delight your taste buds. Every time someone picks up a bottle, it’s also helping support conservation work on historic sites from Cornwall to Cumbria.
Where can you get it—and what’s it cost?
If you’re thinking, “Right, I want one,” here’s what to know:
- Name: Filey Bay Heritage Edition
- Strength: 46.5% ABV
- Price: £60 for a 70cl bottle
- Where to buy: Available at selected English Heritage sites and online at english-heritage.org.uk
You might even want to pick up a bottle after a day wandering around a Roman fort or an old abbey. It’s a different kind of souvenir—and one you can enjoy with friends once you’re back home.
What makes this bottle worth talking about?
It’s not every day you find a bottle of whisky that brings together farming, family, history, and proper craftsmanship. And that’s really what this is. Whether you’re a whisky nerd, a history lover, or just someone who enjoys something a bit off the beaten track, the Filey Bay Heritage Edition is like a little taste of England’s past—neatly bottled and ready to share.
And let’s be honest, it also makes a cracking gift.
Quick facts at a glance
Here’s a recap for the skimmers:
- 🥃 Whisky name: Filey Bay Heritage Edition
- 📍 Distilled by: Spirit of Yorkshire, based in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire
- 🌾 Made with: 100% homegrown barley from their own farm
- 🏰 Partnered with: English Heritage
- 🛒 Buy from: 40 English Heritage sites and online
- 💷 Cost: £60 for 70cl
- 🍯 Flavour notes: Light, fruity, with honey and caramel
- 🪵 Casks used: Ex-bourbon and ex-sherry
- 📅 Release date: Available as of April 2025
If you’re planning a day out to one of England’s iconic landmarks, maybe leave room in the bag for something more than a fridge magnet.
Cheers to whisky that tells a story.
