Home to some of the finest gin distilleries in the UK, Yorkshire is making a name for itself in the world of gin. Here, we round up some of its best gin-makers, all of which offer a unique blend of local botanicals and craftsmanship in every bottle and truly celebrate the spirit of Yorkshire.
Slingsby Gin
Nestled in the heart of Harrogate, Slingsby Gin has become a cornerstone of the Yorkshire gin scene. Named after William Slingsby, who discovered the restorative properties of Harrogate’s famous spa waters, this distillery uses these waters as a key ingredient in their gins. Slingsby offers a range of gins, from their classic London Dry to more adventurous flavours like rhubarb and gooseberry. The distillery also hosts tasting sessions, allowing visitors sample different styles of gin.
www.spiritofharrogate.co.uk
Whittaker’s Gin
Located on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Whittaker’s Gin is a family-run distillery that embodies the essence of Yorkshire. The distillery uses local ingredients, including bilberries and hawthorn berries, to create a distinct range of gins that capture the spirit of the surrounding moorland. Whittaker’s offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the distillation process, followed by a tasting session in their cozy, rustic distillery.
www.whittakersgin.com
Spirit of Masham Distillery
Spirit of Masham Distillery, located in the picturesque town of Masham, is celebrated for its commitment to traditional methods and innovative flavours. This distillery is known for using a unique combination of botanicals, many of which are sourced from the local area, to produce their signature gins. The Spirit of Masham also offers a make your own gin experience, where visitors can create their own bespoke gin under the guidance of master distillers.
spiritofmasham.co.uk
Yorkshire Dales Distillery
Situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this distillery prides itself on producing small-batch, handcrafted gins that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Yorkshire Dales Distillery’s ‘The Ram Range’ of traditional Yorkshire spirits are stylistically smooth, quadruple distilled and utterly unique.
yorkshiredalesdistillery.com
Cooper King Distillery
Founded by two former scientists, Cooper King Distillery is one of the most exciting distilleries in the Yorkshire gin scene. This sustainable distillery uses a cold vacuum distillation process, which preserves the delicate flavours of the botanicals. Their gins are made with honey from their own beehives and locally sourced botanicals, resulting in a smooth and flavourful spirit. Cooper King is also the first distillery in Europe to join the 1% for the Planet initiative, donating 1% of their sales to environmental causes.
www.cooperkingdistillery.co.uk
Rare Bird Distillery
Rare Bird Distillery, located in the foodie haven of Malton, is known for its luxurious gins. Their flagship London Dry Gin is a smooth, juniper-forward spirit with a hint of spice, perfect for a classic gin cocktail. The distillery offers a gin school experience where visitors can create their own gin with a choice of botanicals and distill in a miniature copper still.
www.rarebirddistillery.co.uk
York Gin
York Gin is a name synonymous with quality and heritage. Located in the historic city of York, this distillery produces a range of award-winning gins, each with its own unique story and flavour profile. From the classic York Gin London Dry to the rich and spicy York Gin Roman Fruit, each bottle is steeped in the history and culture of the city. The distillery offers guided tours, tastings and a shop where visitors can purchase their favourite gins and other local products.
yorkgin.com
Masons of Yorkshire
Believing that when it comes to gin, doing things the right way without compromise would lead to the very best outcome, Karl and Cathy set up Masons of Yorkshire, appropriately on World Gin Day back in 2013. Since then the value and quality of the gin has never wavered, but the range has expanded from The Original Gin to tropical, fruity and tea flavoured gins. Visit the state-of-the-art distillery in the heart of Yorkshire and learn the art of distilling and mixology in their gin experience classes.
masonsofyorkshire.com