Yarm Distillery

Sam and Richard Marsden recognised the growth of craft gin and artisan spirits in the mid-2010s and established Yarm Distillery in 2018 in the market town of Yarm — a place of considerable antiquity, with a high street that curves along a dramatic meander of the River Tees, lined with Georgian and earlier architecture. The town's character provided the backdrop for a craft spirits enterprise that sought to serve both local enthusiasts and visitors.

The distillery's early production focused on gin and rum, building a local following and establishing the brand before the longer-term whisky programme matured. In January 2020 the distillery relocated to a larger, purpose-suitable site, creating a cohesive destination that integrated production with retail, education (gin school), and events. The expanded facilities made Yarm more than a distillery — it became a venue.

The first whisky cask was ready for bottling on 28 June 2023, representing the minimum three-year maturation period from the distillery's first whisky production. Just 342 bottles were produced from this inaugural release, each bottled at 41.3% ABV. The small quantity sold quickly through specialist auction and retail channels. Subsequent whisky releases from later casks are expected to build on this foundation as the stock matures.

Yarm Distillery uses traditional copper pot still distillation for its gin and whisky. The single malt whisky is distilled from English malted barley and matured in oak casks at the distillery. Rum is sourced from around the world and blended and finished on site — Yarm does not distil its own rum base spirit, but selects and blends exceptional rums from Caribbean and Central American producers. The gin range encompasses flavoured, sloe, and London dry styles distilled in the copper pot stills.

The inaugural Yarm English Malt Whisky First Release (28 June 2023, 342 bottles, 41.3% ABV) represents a young, characterful spirit from a northern English distillery in its earliest maturation stages. Detailed published tasting notes are limited given the scarcity and speed of sell-out, but English craft single malts from pot still production at this age typically present fresh barley, vanilla, and light orchard fruit character with gentle oak integration. The gin range reflects craft distillery flexibility — from the classic juniper-led London Dry through fruit-forward flavoured expressions to sloe.

The distillery has a retail shop on site, a gin school for hands-on gin-making experiences, and an event space hosting tastings, private events, and social evenings. Online shop available. Full details and booking at yarmdistillery.com.