THIRSK and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake is celebrating the launch of Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky.

Following his raising of the issue in Parliament, Mr Hollinrake has established that forthcoming US retaliatory tariffs will not apply to Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky, the Spirit of Yorkshire’s Filey Bay.

Mr Hollinrake asked his question in a House of Commons debate on US whisky tariffs where the Minister promised that the Government will protect and promote whisky produced in all parts of the UK.

Mr Hollinrake highlighted the fact that not all whisky is Scotch and can instead be distilled elsewhere as it now is in Hunmanby.

He asked that whisky producers, regardless of whether they are in Scotland or Yorkshire, be supported when faced with sudden costs thanks to retaliatory tariffs.

Fortunately for local business, Spirit of Yorkshire, WTO tariff codes categorise Irish and Scotch separately to other whiskies and so the forthcoming tariffs will only apply to Scottish and Irish whiskies and not whisky produced in other areas of the UK such as North Yorkshire.

Mr Hollinrake said: “Last week, I launched my campaign to lower wine duties and have previously celebrated the innovative work of breweries and gin distilleries operating in my constituency.

"Now I am able to confirm that US retaliatory tariffs will not apply to North Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky.

"The launch last week of Filey Bay is a cause for celebration. It is another fine example of a small independent local business investing in the region.

"Single malt producers are often small and medium-sized companies and it is great to see the Spirit of Yorkshire set up shop in the area.

"Locals are able to visit the distillery to learn how whisky is produced; even the main ingredient, barley, is grown on the family farm, Hunmanby Grange, with water taken from the farm’s own borehole.”

David Thompson, Spirit of Yorkshire MD and co-founder, said: “I am grateful to my MP for raising this issue in the House of Commons.

"Filey Bay is unique. Not only is it Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky, but we are one of only a handful of whisky makers in the UK that have a full field to bottle process.

"Every bottle of Filey Bay represents the passion and dedication of everyone involved.

"You only get to release the county’s first whisky once and we’re thrilled to now share it with customers old and new.”