12 Pavement, York YO1 9UP, UK
York Quality Gin of a Yorkshire distillery
Welcome to York Gin
Award-Winning Yorkshire Gin
We are a small Yorkshire distillery creating some of the world’s best gins. Inspired by York’s incredible 2,000-year history, we make all our gins using traditional methods perfected over centuries of English gin-making.
York Quality Gin of a Yorkshire distillery
Sustainability and Responsibility
Kindness to people and planet are at the heart of York Gin. Sustainability and responsibilty are key principles that guide us.
For example, from day one, we have run on 100% renewable electricity generated from sun, wind and sea. More expensive – but the right thing to do.
Our aim is that the environment, local people and charities benefit from our existence – to be a ‘net positive’ business.
We are not there yet – but incremental steps are carrying us closer to our ambition.
Sustainability: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality
As a responsible business, we try to minimise our environmental impact. As a manufacturer, this will never be zero: we use energy to make gin and on transport, for example.
But we can choose the best option for the planet.
We are working with eco-consultancy Sustainable Business Services – with a view to achieving carbon neutrality. The baseline to help measure improvements is our initial report
Waste & Recycling
We have an agreement with local experts Forge Recycling who take all our waste from the distillery with zero going to landfill. Their report details the CO2 emissions produced by converting this waste to energy – and offset this with a tree-planting scheme.
From the shops, cardboard waste goes to Friends of St Nicholas’ Field – a York environmental charity. Non-recyclable waste goes to Forge Recycling.
We also run a refill station in our shop with a £5 discount to encourage customers to re-use their bottles.
Green Electricity & Electric Vehicles
Our distillery and shops both run on 100% renewable power with SSE Energy’s green tariff. This significantly reduces our environmental impact.
Our copper still runs on this renewable electricity – rather than gas power used in many other distilleries. This reduces our energy consumption as it takes less time to warm up!
York Gin’s vehicles are electric or hybrid. Any extra financial cost of these vehicles is outweighed by our desire to minimise our environmental impact.
Water-Saving System
During the cooler months, we use a water management system. Water cools the gin vapours back down to liquid – previously we had to let this water drain away afterwards. We re-use this water in a closed system. We use this system when temperatures allow – and we are developing this to work during the summer months, too.
Sustainable and Plastic Free
Our bottles, labels and packaging are 100% plastic free and made sustainably in Yorkshire.
The bottles we launched in 2021 are made by sustainable glass-makers Verallia in Leeds – with 20% less glass than the previous bottles. The 20-mile journey compares very favourably to the previous 600-mile trip from France.
Sustainable companies The Label Makers and Packaging Answers are both based in Yorkshire. Just Paper Bags are based in our home city of York.
Local first
Our neutral grain spirit is produced in Yorkshire from grain grown on Yorkshire farms. Alcohol and bottles are the heaviest materials we use, so buying local has a massive effect on our carbon footprint.
Other local suppliers include:
- York upcyclers PurePallets who reuse old pallets and railway sleepers to fit our shops and for several York Gin products
- York’s The Star Inn The City makes the sugar syrup in our Old Tom gin using Yorkshire ingredients
- We sell locally-made alcohol-free ‘gin’, rum from Leeds and Yorkshire whisky from Filey
- York’s Bessie’s Yorkshire Preserves make a delicious York Gin & grapefruit marmalade
The local community
We raise thousands of pounds for local charities each year. Our two official causes are:
St Leonard’s Hospice
We support our local hospice with financial support and promotion on our social media channels. In 2020, we supported their fund-raising efforts to celebrate their 35th birthday by creating a limited edition of 350 special edition bottles. These sold out very quickly and raised a four-figure sum for the hospice.
York Cats Protection
We support York Cats Protection by providing an annual financial contribution, promoting the adoption of difficult-to-home cats on our social media channels and by offering a York Gin mini bottle to all adopters, to toast their new feline family member.
Living Wage & Ethical Sourcing
We treat everyone in a courteous and respectful manner. Kindness is one of our core principles.
We are a Living Wage employer – paying all our staff at least the Living Wage.
Our botanical suppliers Beacon Commodities deal directly with growers, collectors and processors – removing the middleman.
Regular trips to meet suppliers mean they can ensure an ethical supply – they see with their own eyes the farming and employment practices being used. Their close relationships and expertise in farming methods also help to solve harvest problems – becoming more regular with climate change.
York Gin Old Tom 70cl
£42.00
This Old Tom gin is officially one of the world’s best gins, winning multiple gold medals. Beautifully balanced and slightly sweetened with a herb and Yorkshire Rose infusion from the nearby Michelin-starred Star Inn.
Old Tom Gin
YORK GIN OLD TOM TASTING NOTES
Herbs, star anise and warming cinnamon, subtly sweetened. This Old Tom gin is 42.5% ABV.
SELECT AWARDS & REVIEWS
Gold Outstanding (98/100), International Wine and Spirit Competition 2019
Gold, Spirits Business Gin Masters 2019
Gold, New York International Spirits Competition 2020
Best English Old Tom, World Gin Awards 2020 and 2021
‘Arguably one of the best gins in the world regardless of genre – York Old Tom is a must try, must taste, must have offering … It’s an unmissable gin in a sea of gin. It’s so good there’s not enough superlatives to do it justice.’ – Spirits Kiosk
‘Absolutely love York Gin’s Old Tom – this one is a beaut.’ – Susy Atkins, Sunday Telegraph
PERFECT SERVES
Tom Collins:
York Gin Old Tom, sugar syrup, lime juice, soda water over ice in a Collins or hi-ball glass.
Gin & Tonic:
With a premium light tonic, plenty of ice and a lemon garnish.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS OLD TOM GIN
York Gin Old Tom is a Victorian-style dry gin, slightly sweetened with a herb-infused sugar syrup made in the kitchen of one of Yorkshire’s finest restaurants – the Michelin-starred Star Inn, Harome.
The syrup’s key ingredients are foraged from local North Yorkshire hedgerows and the Star Inn’s kitchen garden – including the White Rose of Yorkshire.
Our most successful gin in international competitions and lauded by experts as one of the best gins in the UK – and the world.
When you buy a large bottle of our Old Tom gin, you receive a free pamphlet detailing its history, how it’s made and its best serves. As our Old Tom gin is one of the world’s best, we know what we’re talking about.
Here’s a sample page from the free printed booklet and you can download a PDF copy of the booklet here
(The full printed version is sent with your bottle of York Gin Old Tom.)
BOTANICALS IN THIS OLD TOM GIN
Juniper, Coriander, Cinnamon, Orris root, Angelica, Cardamom, Black pepper, Lemon peel and Grains of paradise.
Sugar syrup botanicals: Star Anise, Bronze Fennel, White Rose of Yorkshire, Angelica.
York Gin London Dry 70cl
£42.00
This London Dry gin is beautifully complex, smooth and balanced. Good Housekeeping’s Best Gin for 2024. Our London Dry gin beat 100 other gins to secure the Best Gin title. Perfect in a G&T, Martini and other gin cocktails.
London Dry Gin
TASTING NOTES
Earthy juniper, refreshing citrus and lightly spiced pepper. This London Dry gin is 42.5% ABV.
SELECT AWARDS & REVIEWS
Good Housekeeping – Best Gin for 2024 (beating 100 other gins to the Best Gin title)
Gold, New York International Spirits Competition, 2021
‘Attractive floral tones, nutty angelica, subdued citrus and light spice.’ – Difford’s Guide
‘A most satisfying dry gin, it makes a great gin and tonic.’ – London Gin Club
‘Perfect.’ – Great Taste Awards
PERFECT SERVES
Gin & Tonic:
Use a premium light tonic, plenty of ice and garnish with lemon peel.
Gin Martini:
York Gin London Dry, one teaspoon dry vermouth, olive or lemon twist.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS LONDON DRY GIN
Nine botanicals used by English gin makers for over 300 years come together to form a complex and satisfying classic London dry gin.
York Gin London Dry is all about the perfect balancing of flavours – a smooth, rounded, go-to gin that defies fashions and fads.
Vapour infused in a beautiful traditional copper still to ensure absolute consistency of taste. One of the best gins on the market today – especially for lovers of traditional dry gin.
BOTANICALS IN THIS LONDON DRY GIN
Juniper, Coriander, Cinnamon, Orris root, Angelica, Cardamom, Black pepper, Lemon peel and Grains of paradise.
York Gin Roman Fruit 70cl
£42.00
This fruit gin is a deep red, full-strength dry gin inspired by York’s Roman history. With strawberries, raspberries and apple. ‘Mouthwatering.’ – Great Taste Awards.
Fruit Gin
TASTING NOTES FOR THIS FRUIT GIN
Surprisingly dry with layers of fruit, including strawberry and blackberry. This fruit gin is 42.5% ABV.
SELECT AWARDS & REVIEWS
Bronze, San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Bronze, London Spirits Competition
One star, Great Taste Awards
‘Mouthwatering’ Great Taste Awards
‘It might be deep red in colour but tastes like gin first and foremost. The infusion has added layers to the underlying gin and given it huge complexity, but the juniper is clear. It’s dry as a bone too – making it perfect to use with tonic.’ – Olivier Ward, Editor, Spirits Beacon
PERFECT SERVES
Elderflower Gin & Tonic:
Add this flavoured gin, plenty of ice and premium elderflower tonic. Add fruit of your choice as garnish.
Roman Gin Fizz:
In a champagne flute add this fruit gin, Prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or raspberry.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS FRUIT GIN
A juniper-led, full-strength dry gin with no added sugar, infused with fruits and flowers associated with Ancient Rome – including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples and hibiscus. (The Romans settled in York in 71AD, calling it Eboracum.)
The fruit infusion sits in our gold award-winning London Dry gin for over two weeks to develop a rich red imperial hue and a complex flavour. A really nice gin!
It is one of the few gins in the world with its own Latin motto (checked for us by the UK’s most famous Roman expert, Dame Professor Mary Beard): ‘Veni, vidi, bibi’ – ‘I came, I saw, I drank.’
BOTANICALS IN THIS FRUIT GIN
Juniper, Strawberries, Apples, Hibiscus, Coriander, Cinnamon, Orris root, Angelica, Cardamom, Black pepper, Lemon peel and Grains of paradise.
York Gin Outlaw Navy Strength 70cl
£48.00
This Navy Strength gin is dangerously smooth – inspired by York’s villains, Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Favoured by whisky drinkers and lovers of more intense flavours. Best English Navy gin, World Gin Awards .
Navy Strength Gin
TASTING NOTES
Strongly juniper-led with warm cardamom, dry angelica and spicy pepper. This Navy Strength gin has a high ABV of 57%.
SELECT AWARDS & REVIEWS
Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019
Best English Navy, World Spirits Awards 2021
‘Struck us with its smoothness. Almost creamy, the gin has a particularly rounded feel.’ – The Independent
PERFECT SERVES
Gin & Tonic:
Gin, aromatic tonic or Indian tonic water, ice and fruit garnish.
Dry Martini:
Gin, tablespooon of dry vermouth, garnish with olive or lemon twist.
More serves here
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS NAVY STRENGTH GIN
This Navy gin is a firm favourite with whisky drinkers – attracted by its intense flavours.
It is incredibly smooth for a 57% ABV gin – drinkers are frequently amazed when they learn how strong it is.
The gin is inspired by York’s outlaws, including Gunpowder plotter, Guy Fawkes, highwayman, Dick Turpin, and ‘Yorkshire Witch’, Mary Bateman.
This Navy gin won a rare Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, making it one of the best gins in the world.
With its stronger flavours and higher alcohol, we advise you to drink York Gin Outlaw with ice, tonic … and care.
BOTANICALS IN THIS NAVY GIN
Juniper, Coriander, Cinnamon, Orris root, Angelica, Cardamom, Black pepper, Lemon peel and Grains of paradise.
York Gin Grey Lady 70cl
£42.00
Award-winning York Gin Grey Lady has returned, is even more beautiful than ever – and is now available for pre-order. Our London Dry gin combines perfectly with the finest Earl Grey tea, orange and lemon distillates and butterfly pea flower to create a subtle and delightful dry gin with a unique and ghostly blue-grey hue. Inspired by one of York’s most famous ghosts, the Grey Lady of the Theatre Royal.
York Gin Grey Lady – new release
After over a year of exploration, experimentation and taste testing, York Gin Grey Lady is back.
The gin – inspired by the Grey Lady ghost of the Theatre Royal – was discontinued in summer 2023 after the supplier of the Earl Grey tea used to flavour the gin retired.
Finally, after finding a delicate and subtle bergamot-infused Earl Grey blend and adding distillatres of sweet orange and zesty lemon, we have created a Grey Lady gin that, we think, is even better than the original.
The gin is a haunting blue-grey hue – from butterfly pea flower added after distillation.
NOTE: This is a limited initial run of York Gin Grey Lady – with a maximum of six bottles per order to allow as many people as possible to enjoy it. Depending on demand, it may become a permanent member of the York Gin range again.
More about York Gin Grey Lady:
- Gold medal winner, London Spirits Competition 2022
- ‘A masterpiece in subtlety’ – Sunday Telegraph
- With extra citrus from oranges and lemons and bergamot in the Earl Grey tea
- A subtle, haunting blue-grey colour from butterfly pea flower
- Distilled in our small York distillery, powered by 100% renewable electricity
- Bottles, labels and packaging all plastic-free and made in Yorkshire
- Free optional hand-written gift note
York is known as Europe’s most haunted city. It is said that legions of ghosts haunt the ancient city’s pubs, streets, hotels … and theatres.
One of the most famous of these ghosts is the Grey Lady, said to haunt the dress circle of the York Theatre Royal, adjoining the city’s De Grey Rooms. York Gin Grey Lady is our homage to the Grey Lady – and all the city’s ghosts.
Distillates of Earl Grey tea, lemon and orange are added to our signature London Dry gin. It is infused with butterfly pea flower, creating a ghostly blue-grey hue. Delightfully subtle citrus complements the delicate shade of the gin.
Winner of Silver medals at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition, New York International Spirits Competition and Spirits Business Gin Masters.
All our gins are made in our small York distillery powered by 100% renewable electricity.
The bottle, label and packaging are 100% plastic-free and made sustainably in Yorkshire.
Comes with a free booklet of tasting notes, serves and York Gin info.
We can hand-write a gift note for free.
Reviews
‘Grey Lady is a masterpiece in subtlety, with a very pale blue-grey hue, and soft, delicate notes of citrus from the bergamot found in Earl Grey tea. It’s great on the rocks.’ – Sunday Telegraph
‘Deliciously subtle containing a wonderful surprise – the bergamot is exactly right … It is quite simply divine.’ – Yorkshire Times
Perfect serves
Ghostly G&T: York Gin Grey Lady, premium light tonic, lots of ice. Garnish: Orange peel
Grey Garden: 50ml York Gin Grey Lady, 25ml sugar syrup, 25ml Elderflower liqueur (elderflower cordial), 100ml cloudy apple juice, mint, ice.
Slap the mint with your palms to release the aromas and oils, and pop it in the cocktail shaker. Add gin, sugar syrup, elderflower liqueur into the shaker and top with ice. SHAKE! Fill your glass of choice with plenty of ice, and pour the cocktail mixer over the top. Garnish with mint leaves or a slice of citrus fruit.
Tasting notes
ABV: 42.5%
From the IWSC: ‘Zingy citrus and fresh herbs with a little creaminess on the palate, and an increasingly influential mix of spices and roots.’
Botanicals: Juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, cardamom, cinnamon bark, dried lemon peel, orris root, black pepper and grains of paradise, Earl Grey tea, dried sweet orange peel, blue butterfly pea flower.
More about the Grey Lady
The Grey Lady is said to have been a nun in times gone by.
The story goes that she fell in love with a nobleman – thus breaking her strict vows of celibacy. Her punishment was to be left to die – bricked up in a room on the site on the current theatre.
Folklore states that if the Grey Lady is spotted in the run-up to a show, it will be a success.
Those who claim to have seen her say she seems very friendly – and are not frightened or threatened by their ghostly encounter.
York Gin Chocolate & Orange 70cl
£42.00
A chocolate gin inspired by York’s famous invention, the Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Finest cocoa nibs and fresh oranges combine beautifully in this delicious chocolate orange gin. Perfect in an Espresso Martini, neat over ice – or in a G&T.
The Ultimate Chocolate Gin
TASTING NOTES FOR THIS CHOCOLATE ORANGE GIN
Luxurious dark rich chocolate and vibrant sweet orange. This chocolate orange gin is 42.5% ABV.
Inspired by the Terry’s Chocolate Orange (invented in York), this chocolate orange gin has been one of our best sellers for several years.
SELECT AWARDS & REVIEWS FOR OUR CHOCOLATE ORANGE GIN
Gold, New York International Spirits Competition 2021
‘Surprisingly subtle and deliciously dry, the chocolate and juicy orange notes just emerging on the finish. Clever stuff, and sensational in an Espresso Martini.’ – Susy Atkins, Sunday Telegraph
‘Cocoa nibs and fresh oranges make up this one, and you’re right – it will make a superb Espresso Martini.’ – Master of Malt
PERFECT SERVE FOR THIS CHOCOLATE GIN
Espresso Martini:
Chocolate & Orange gin, Tia Maria, Cointreau and a shot of coffee. Shake and serve in an Espresso Glass.
Neat over ice:
In a rocks glass, add plenty of ice and a double measure of gin.
Gin & Tonic:
Gin, plenty of ice, light tonic. Add a slice of orange as your garnish.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS CHOCOLATE ORANGE GIN
A real treat for chocolate fans, this flavoured gin is made in the city where the Terry’s Chocolate Orange was invented and made for decades. One of the most popular Christmas gins around.
The finest cocoa nibs (dried, roasted and crushed cocoa beans) and fresh oranges combine perfectly with York Gin’s classic combination of nine original botanicals.
The result is a beautifully balanced, unsweetened, dry gin with rich and luxurious chocolate and zesty orange notes. Truly, a chocolate orange gin to savour.
BOTANICALS IN THIS CHOCOLATE GIN
Juniper, Macerated Cocoa Nibs, Fresh oranges, Coriander seeds, Angelica root, Cardamom, Cinnamon bark, Dried lemon peel, Orris root, Black pepper, Grains of paradise.
Gin Tasting in York
York Gin Tastings in York are fun, fascinating – and some of the best things to do in York.
Are you and your friends looking for fun things to do in York? Come along to our gin tasting experience.
You’ll learn lots and laugh lots with our famously friendly and knowledgeable York Gin Experts.
York Gin Tastings
Enjoy two full G&Ts and taste a wide selection of our award-winning range. You’ll also learn about gin’s amazing legends, myths and history.
The feedback we receive is universally positive and guests frequently tell us ours is the best gin tasting Yorkshire and indeed the UK have to offer.
Festive Gin Tasting
Here’s the perfect festive treat for gin lovers – a glittering gin tasting to enjoy with your friends in one of the UK’s most Christmassy cities.
The York Gin Sparkly Christmas Tasting is a festive, fun, and fascinating experience that will be a highlight of the run-up to Christmas 2023.
As well as a festive welcome cocktail, you’ll taste the whole York Gin range. You’ll learn lots, laugh lots, and enjoy a G&T at the end with your favourite flavour of York Gin.
So here’s what you get with the hour-long York Gin Christmas Tasting:
- A welcome festive themed gin cocktail
- Taste the whole range of six gins and learn to taste gin like a professional
- Learn about the history of gin: legends and myths, fact and fiction
- Enjoy a full G&T as your final drink
- A 10% discount on anything you buy – we have a range of truly beautiful Christmas gifts
The Sparkly Christmas Gin Tasting takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 / 7:45 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout November and most of December. Book early to avoid disappointment.
What you get in the York Gin tasting class
- A full York G&T on arrival (our gold award-winning London Dry and Fever-Tree Light tonic – or lemonade if you prefer).
- Generous tasters of five other gins from our range, as our experts take you through each in turn.
- Pick up tasting tips, learn the history of gin and discover gin’s myths and legends.
- Choose your favourite gin for another full G&T.
- Get 10% off anything you buy on the night.
Where: The York Gin Shop on Pavement opposite the famous Shambles. Soon at York Distillery, Skeldergate
When: Friday and Saturdays
How much: A single ticket costs £30 for the hour-long class.
Save £10: Upgrade to the Gin Tasting & Large Bottle package for £62. (Normal price £72.)
York Distillery | Tastings & Events
York Distillery is our new city centre boutique distillery. It is a small working distillery also housing York Gin’s five-star tasting classes, a gin school, and other events. The distillery is a purpose-built space in the beautiful grounds of Middleton’s Hotel within York’s city walls on Skeldergate. See our multiple award-winning gins being made, make your own gin to take home, and learn tricks and tips of gin and spirit tasting. York Distillery opens late 2024.
Larger groups & special occasions: Please get in touch
If you have a larger group or want to organise a gin tasting in York as part of a works party or stag or hen do, we can help.
Please email us with as many details as you can.
We’ll get back to you with your options.
