12 Distillers and Alcohol Producers in the North East and Yorkshire to Try
Fancy a tipple this summer? Why not try something delicious produced right on your doorstep?
Allendale Brewery
Allen Mill, Allendale, Hexham NE47 9EA
01434 618686
allendalebrewery.com
You can pick up cans of this dependable and award-winning brew at stockists across the region (perfect for enjoying at home) as well as in various pubs and drinks venues. The brewery itself has a shop which is open during the week if you’d rather buy direct from the source.
Durham Distillery
30–31 High Street, Durham DH1 3UL
0191 329 3749
durhamdistillery.co.uk
An urban distillery. Durham Distillery endeavour to keep their spirits as local as possible with all of the grain coming from neighbouring Northumberland and North Yorkshire, botanicals for the gin (including elderflower and juniper) coming from the surrounding hills and dales of Durham, and they only use pure Durham spring water. They are currently in the process of crafting their single malt whisky, so watch this space!
Jesmond Wine Co.
3a Clayton Road, Jesmond NE2 4RP
0191 240 1269
jesmondwinecompany.co.uk
This independent wine merchant stocks a vast range of wines from around the world. Offering expert advice on any type of wine or spirit, find peachy French favourites, classic Argentinean malbecs and light white wines from Japan.
Hepple Spirits
hepplespirits.com
Supplying bars, restaurants and stockists across the region and the UK, Hepple produce their wares in their small namesake village in rural Northumberland. Their award-winning gin is a wild spirit that uses a combination of botanicals and native green juniper from the land around the distillery.
Full Circle Brew Co.
Hoults Yard, Newcastle NE6 2HL
0191 481 4114
fullcirclebrew.co.uk
With a core range of four beers, complemented by monthly seasonal releases which explore a range of exciting styles and flavours, Full Circle Brew Co. is the craft beer haven of the Ouseburn community.
Read More: Indie Cafes, Artisan Bars and Music Venues: Why Ouseburn is Newcastle's Cultural Arts Hub
God’s Own Rum
godsownrum.co.uk
Crafting single pot still spirits in Yorkshire since 2019, God’s Own Rum produces four distinctly different premium rum spirits, including Yorkshire Gold, Spiced, Winter and Blush. All of the premium spirits are distilled using traditional methods in their copper alembic pot still and each is distinctive in flavour, aroma and experience. After distillation and oaking, a combination of carefully selected botanical spices or seasonal fruit and berry blends are used to create an elegant and smooth premium rum. The dark and smoky Yorkshire Spiced Rum has the perfect flavour combination of natural spice and subtle sweet complexity, while the Yorkshire Blush has an aroma of rich berry and currant fruits.
Abbeydale Brewery
0114 281 2712
abbeydalebrewery.co.uk
A true Sheffield institution founded in 1996, Abbeydale Brewery is based in the heart of the Antiques Quarter and blends heritage and tradition with creativity and innovation, reflecting these values across its range of beers. Brewing more than 220 brewers’ barrels per week of up to 15 different beers at any one time, Abbeydale Brewery have established a range of popular local beers. Their flagship pale, Moonshine, is a favourite and has won multiple awards – tasting notes are predominately citrusy with grapefruit and lemon at the forefront.
The Little Red Berry Co.
01765 602335
thelittleredberry.co.uk
The Little Red Berry Co are a family-owned business based in Ripon who handcraft a range of vegan spirits with both traditional and unusual flavours. Their range of award-winning gins, vodka and liqueurs are made onsite in small batches, using locally-sourced, hand-picked fruits from nearby farmers and foragers where possible, and are stocked Yorkshirewide.
Read More: Our Ultimate Foodie Guide to South Yorkshire Dining
Magic Rock Brewing
Willow Lane, Huddersfield HD1 5EB
magicrockbrewing.com
Magic Rock Brewing is the culmination of a lifelong passion for beer and was founded in 2011. Inspired by local brewing traditions as well as the vibrant beer scene in the US, Magic Rock Brewing create beers which are flavourful, vibrant and consistent. Taprooms in Holmfirth and Huddersfield mean there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the 10 keg beers and four cask lines. You can also shop via their website.
Priory Vodka
prioryvodka.co.uk
A true taste of Yorkshire can be found in the crisp and refreshing range of spirits from Priory Vodka. Using potatoes grown in their own fields and distilled on-site at the farm, this Yorkshire-based spirits company create pure beverages which are unapologetically uncomplicated. Their award-winning vodkas, include chilli, grapefruit, rhubarb and orange flavours, while their Priory Gin is created with a secret botanical blend which offers a crisp, refreshing and wonderfully smooth finish.
Slingsby Gin
5–7 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate HG1 2TJ
01423 541279
spiritofharrogate.co.uk
Inspired by William Slingsby’s discovery of the unique properties of the natural spring water from Harrogate’s Tewit Well, this award-winning gin is created by combining carefully-selected botanicals and local fruit. Alongside the classic London Dry gin, Slingsby’s specialist flavours include rhubarb, gooseberry, marmalade and blackberry. Visit the store in Harrogate or shop online.
Whitby Distillery
8 Botany Way, Whitby YO22 4QX
07535 096137
whitbydistillery.com
Whitby Distillery create award-winning London Dry gin that is distilled in small batches in the heart of North Yorkshire. With signature botanicals including heather foraged from the North York Moors, sugar kelp and local honey, Whitby Distillery distill their gin in Dora-Grace – a 300-litre copper still named after Dora Walker who was the only female skipper in the North Sea during World War II. From the Original Edition Gin to their blackberry and bay leaf flavoured Bramble & Bay Edition, you can shop the full range of flavours via the Whitby Distillery website.
