A Taste of Yorkshire Spirit – BFBi Visits Whittaker’s Distillery
October 1st, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Nidderdale, among the rolling hills and stone walls of the Yorkshire Dales, lies one of the region’s best-kept secrets: Whittaker’s Distillery. On October 1st, members of the BFBi were warmly welcomed for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to this proudly independent, family-run distillery.

Founded by Toby and Jane Whittaker, Whittaker’s Distillery is based at Harewell House Farm and is renowned for its small-batch spirits crafted with care, character, and a deep connection to the land. What makes Whittaker’s truly unique is its commitment to local provenance—from using Yorkshire spring water drawn from their very own Harewell Spring, to incorporating locally foraged and homegrown botanicals like bilberries, bog myrtle, and garden-grown thyme.

The BFBi group was treated to a fascinating tour of the facilities, starting with a walk-through of the distillation process inside their purpose-built distillery. At the heart of the operation is “Jezebel,” the single copper still where every drop of Whittaker’s gin is made. The team explained how their award-winning Original London Dry Gin is distilled—combining traditional techniques with a touch of modern Yorkshire innovation.

From there, guests enjoyed a guided tasting session, sampling a selection of gins and whiskies that showcased the breadth and depth of Whittaker’s craftsmanship. Whether it was the bold herbal notes of their Navy Strength Gin or the smoother, aromatic layers of their barrel-aged varieties, each pour told a story of local ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

Beyond gin, the Whittaker’s are now also creating small-batch whiskies using locally sourced barley, offering another exciting frontier for their growing spirits range.

This visit was more than just a tour—it was a reminder of the passion and authenticity that still defines the best of British distilling. The BFBi is proud to support and celebrate businesses like Whittaker’s, where innovation, sustainability, and heritage go hand in hand.

A heartfelt thank you to Toby, Jane, and the Whittaker’s team for their generous hospitality and for sharing the spirit of Yorkshire with us.