Raising a glass and the bar for English whisky

Ellers Farm Distillery is celebrating success on the world stage, picking up a gold medal in the New Make (Europe) category of The World Whisky Masters 2023 for ‘The Bairn’ – a carbon neutral New Make spirit which has been produced in partnership with iconic brewery T&R Theakston.

The Bairn is the same liquid produced as part of the distillery’s unique Founders Release Cask Investment Programme, which gives people the opportunity to invest in a limited release cask which surges in value after three years. The award highlights the quality of the product and foretells the rise of English whisky that is to come.

Recognising exceptionally crafted whiskies from across the globe in a blind-tasting competition, The World Whisky Masters drives awareness for whisky producers outside of the usual whisky strongholds such as Scotland, Ireland and the US.

Andy Braithwaite, managing director, commented: “This is now the third medal we’ve achieved for The Bairn over the last few months on an international scale, which is an amazing result. Our whisky collaboration with T&R Theakston is an incredibly unique one – combining the modern and innovative approach of Ellers Farm mixed with Theakston’s almost two centuries of brewing expertise. Clearly, it’s resulted in a pretty special spirit!

“We’re excited to give whisky lovers the opportunity to try the new make spirit for themselves when The Bairn officially launches next month and give people a sneak peek of the quality liquid they can expect upon maturation with our Founders Release Cask Investment Programme.”

Simon Theakston, joint managing director at Theakston’s Brewery, said: “We’re very proud to have played a part in creating The Bairn alongside the team at Ellers Farm. After nearly two centuries of brewing beer in Masham, it was exciting to bring our expertise to the crafting of the ‘distiller’s beer’, and this award is just the latest vindication of the skills of all involved and our collaborative approach.

“The Bairn is a true toast to Yorkshire, bringing together not just expertise but also ingredients from across the county. This is latest milestone on our exciting journey with Ellers Farm to create a new Yorkshire whisky of unimpeachable provenance, authenticity and character, and we are thrilled to be involved.”

‘The Bairn New Make’ will be available for consumers to buy later this year via Ellers Farm Distillery website and other specialist outlets, at an RRP of £31. The award-winning spirit will then be available in limited runs of 500 bottles, with an aged New Make released every six months, commencing with The Bairn New Make (6-months aged) in November, all the way up to The Bairn New Make (24-months aged).