If nations were to have social media accounts, I feel as if the Scottish – English relationship status would read something down the lines of ‘it’s complicated’. Seldom have there been two countries, and two nations, connected and intertwined so closely and deeply for so long as the Scots and the English. Their shared history reads like something that would, at times, make George RR Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ look like a children’s bedtime story. Vicious, blood thirsty, power hungry bastards on both sides, dragging down entire nations with them in their rise and downfall as they sought to rule supreme, mixed in with a good dose of honest yet doomed lovers and brave, equally doomed freedom fighters, not seldom with a third interested party (France) playing their part, be it lurking in the back and manoeuvring in the shadows, be it claiming centre stage. Robert the Bruce, William Wallace… Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elisabeth… King James V and/or I (depending on your stance)… The Bonnie Prince Charlie, The Jacobites, … we know their names, we know their stories.
Whether they like it or not, part of Scotland’s ‘identity’ is the direct or indirect result of its relationship with its neighbours down south. There are, on the other hand, also things so quintessentially Scottish, you could put a bagpipe on it and call it haggis. Things like glens, highlands, lowlands and lochs, clans, tartan, and, indeed, whisky. It’s fair to say that particularly with the branding of whisky all of these Scottish clichés have been milked dry and then some. Whisky in particlar was so obviously Scottish, despite the best of Irish efforts, that everywhere in the world, it just became synonymous with its country of origin: Scotch.
However…
Since the past decade or so, even this most Scottish of Scottish things needs to be kept on its toes, as pretenders to its throne and crown everywhere are seeking to lay claim to them. And, once again, quite a few of these pretenders are coming from directly down south.
Filey Bay Flagship (2022 release). Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery. Bourbon cask matured, 46% ABV, NC, UCF, app. €70 (£60)
Yorkshire distillery is located just a few miles from the actual Filey Bay, so a name was easily chosen. Located on the East coast of England, roughly at the outer point if you were to draw a triangle between Leeds, Middlesborugh and the seaside, this coastal distillery (it’s not a coincidence they chose a gannet to feature in their distillery logo) prides itself on using 100% locally grown barley, as its origins can be traced back to a Yorkshire farm. Like quite a few other distilleries, it was the famous whisky wizard Jim Swan who helped them to form a wild idea into something real, and as of 2016, spirit was running from the stills in the first whisky distillery in Yorkshire.
Despite English whisky booming and blooming, my experience with it is still somewhat limited. Not because a lack of trying, but rather because distribution is still fairly limited in my neck of the woods. So, after Cotswolds, Bimber, The Lakes and Wire Works, this Filey Bay is (I believe) only the 5th English whisky I get to try – courtesy of Greg from Greg’s whisky guide.
Their Flagship expression was created, built and released on the back of their first two inaugural releases and is matured in ex bourbon casks. As they brand it as ‘the true taste’ of their distillery character, it’s fair to say it’ll have to deliver.
Nose
Initially a tad solvent-y, but that quickly develops into an appealing mixture of citrus and orchard fruit, with unripe banana in the mix. Sour cream notes and vanilla, with hints of almond and an oily sensation. Gentle, delicate but well balanced: youthful, but very pleasant.
Palate
A gentle, pleasant prickle, followed by sweet grain notes, touches of orchard fruit (quince, to be precise) and citrus (less sour compared to the nose now). Again there’s that that milky, creamy texture which is quite pleasant as it comes with a medium full, slightly viscous mouthfeel.
Finish
Medium, peppery and citrus-y, and slightly drying.
Final thoughts
Youthful stuff, obviously, but very well put together. The delivery is very pleasant and well balanced. And even though it’s still rather young spirit and therefore spirit driven, the casks are happy to play second fiddle, working in the background to harmonize the different flavours and polishing away any potential rough ends, rather than leaving a noticeable mark. You could argue that what they’re charging is a bit on the pricier end of things, but given how they work and source locally, and also taking into account that they are still an ‘up and coming’ distillery, I feel we can cut them some slack here. In any case: the basics are covered, and they’re covered very well, indeed.
And with that, I’m quite happy to draw a line under this series. Starting next week, I’m looking to take things in a very different direction…
As I read this we are driving (Rachel not me!) to Filey for a little (rainy) holiday by the sea. On Saturday I have booked a tour of the distillery for me and my non whisky drinking father in law. Just the basic tour as Alan wouldn’t appreciate a deep dive. I have tried a few from SYD and they have all been great. The future of English whisky is in safe hands. Fantastic review as always.