Bar & Barrel - Blog

Welcome to Bar & Barrel — The Spirit of the Craft

At Durham Distillery, we believe that real tastes better. Bar & Barrel is where that belief takes shape in stories — of flavour, of process, and of the people who craft every bottle with care.

This isn’t just a cocktail blog. It’s a behind-the-scenes journal of our pursuit of craft, featuring thought-provoking reflections from Head Distiller Chris Ferg on distillation, whisky, and the philosophy that drives Durham’s commitment to doing things the right way. You’ll also find seasonal cocktail inspiration and mixology deep dives curated by Alexandra Szeller, our Mixologist in Residence. Alexandra brings the bar to life with recipes honouring local ingredients and showcasing how real spirits transform in the glass.

Chris and Alexandra offer two sides of the same coin: spirit and serve. Whether you’re a seasoned Craft Connoisseur or just discovering the difference real craftsmanship makes, this space is yours to explore, learn, and savour.

We’re building something special here. Pull up a stool — the next pour is just getting started.