Yorkshire’s ‘first’ single malt whisky launches in UK

The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery has released what is thought to be the English county’s first single malt whisky.

The first batch of Filey Bay Single Malt is limited to 6,000 bottles

The new three-year-old expression, called Filey Bay Single Malt Whisky (46% ABV), is inspired by the bay within sight of the distillery in the North Yorkshire coastal village of Hunmanby.

Spirit of Yorkshire’s whisky director, Joe Clark, said: “From our very first distillations, we have always set out to create a defined house style and a light, fruity whisky.

“We have very firm production principles and a 100% field-to-bottle process. Quality underpins absolutely every aspect of our production from the barley we grow to the casks we source for maturation.

“You can’t rush whisky. That is the nature of the spirit and it’s massively exciting to see our 2016 casks yielding a whisky full of character.

Clark describes Filey Bay as “creamy, light and fruity with flavours of vanilla, honey, citrus and caramel”.

Spirit of Yorkshire co-founder, David Thompson said: “Our production allows us to create two different spirit styles, using a pot and column still configuration to create a flavour profile that is unlike any other malt whisky.

“Even our bottle is bespoke, bringing together our land and coast, and our mascot, the gannet. Every bottle of Filey Bay represents the passion and dedication of everyone involved.”

Filey Bay First Release is limited to 6,000 bottles and carries an RRP of £55 (US$67) per 700ml. It is available from the distillery shop and online, in all Booths stores and from select premium retailers across the UK.

In November last year, Spirit of Yorkshire launched its fourth and final ‘maturing malt’.