First Impressions
Whitby Gin is the flagship of Whitby Distillery, blending twelve traditional gin botanicals with three local signature ingredients: sugar kelp hand-harvested from Robin Hood's Bay, heather tips sustainably gathered from the North York Moors, and raw honey from local Yorkshire bees. It won Best British London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards 2019.
Tasting
The nose is herbal and floral with soft sweetness and coastal freshness — juniper and citrus with heather florals. On the palate, clean, fresh and well-rounded — a rich oily juniper mouthfeel carries citrus peel and honey hints, with savoury coastal notes from the sugar kelp adding depth and complexity. The finish balances spice and sweetness with savoury kelp and heather coming through cleanly.
The Bottom Line
Whitby Gin earns an 8 for capturing the Yorkshire coast in a bottle. The sugar kelp and heather give it genuine sense of place without gimmickry, and the local honey provides a sweetness that integrates seamlessly. At around £40, it represents the best of the Yorkshire gin wave.
