Posted on

Rediscovering the Negroni: A Classic Cocktail

Three Durham Distillery Negroni's from "The Art of the Negroni" cocktail class.

Why the Negroni Cocktail Never Goes Out of Style

Few classic cocktails hold the enduring appeal of the Negroni. With its bold, bittersweet flavour profile and century-long history, the Negroni remains a go-to for cocktail lovers and bartenders alike. Built with just three ingredients—gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—this balanced, no-fuss drink is a true test of quality.

There’s nowhere to hide; every ingredient must shine.

Originating in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence, the story goes that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his usual Americano (made with vermouth, Campari, and soda) by replacing the soda with gin. The result was stronger, more complex, and instantly beloved. Patrons soon began asking for “Count Negroni’s drink,” and the name stuck.

Today, the Negroni is more than a cocktail—it’s a symbol of craft, balance, and timeless sophistication. And for those who value all-natural ingredients and spirits made with care, it’s an experience worth revisiting.

How to Make the Perfect Negroni at Home

Negroni Recipe with All-Natural Ingredients

A classic negroni being garnished with fresh orange slices.
A classic Negroni being garnished with fresh orange slices into a Durham Distillery rocks glass.

The classic Negroni recipe is beautifully simple:

    • 1 oz gin
    • 1 oz Campari
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth

But when you’re using bold, minimal ingredients, quality matters. Each element brings something essential: the botanicals in the gin, the citrus bitterness of Campari, and the herbal richness of vermouth.

That’s why we recommend using London Calling Dry Gin—crafted in small batches with all-natural, locally sourced botanicals. Its bright juniper base, lifted by citrus and soft floral notes, pairs perfectly in a Negroni. It smooths the bitter edge of Campari and complements the sweetness of vermouth without overpowering it.

Why Use London Calling Dry Gin in Your Negroni?

      1. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients
      2. Distilled in small batches for precision and purity
      3. Offers a clean, balanced flavour ideal for classic cocktails

With London Calling, you’re not just making a drink—you’re crafting an experience that reflects Durham’s belief: Real Tastes Better.

Serving a Negroni: Tips for the Best Presentation and Flavour

A negroni being stirred in a mixing glass
A Negroni being stirred in a mixing glass

1. Stirred, Not Shaken
Proper dilution is key. Stirring chills the drink without breaking down the ingredients, delivering a smoother, more cohesive flavour.

2. Use One Large Ice Cube
A single, clear ice cube slows dilution while keeping your Negroni perfectly chilled for longer sipping.

3. Don’t Skip the Garnish
A fresh orange peel—expressed over the glass and dropped in—adds essential 

citrus aroma and a touch of elegance.

Join Us: The Art of the Negroni Cocktail Class at Durham Distillery

Three Durham Distillery Negroni's from "The Art of the Negroni" cocktail class.
Three Durham Distillery Negroni’s from “The Art of the Negroni” cocktail class.

Love Negronis or ready to learn more? Join us at Durham Distillery for The Art of the Negroni Cocktail Class—a hands-on, small-batch cocktail experience in the heart of Ontario’s craft spirits scene.

In this immersive class, you’ll:

Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, or team outings.

Book your spot in our “Art of the Negorni” Cocktail Class, available for a limited time.

Posted on

How to Make the Perfect Manhattan – the Durham Distillery Way

A picture of Durham Distillery 's Firehouse Spirits - Canadian 100% Rye Whisky with the ingredients to make a Manhattan Cocktail

Masterfully Crafted with Canadian Rye, All-Natural Bitters, and Timeless Technique

Pouring some Firehouse Spirits - Canadian 100% Rye Whisky for a Manhattan cocktail
Pouring some Firehouse Spirits – Canadian 100% Rye Whisky for a Manhattan cocktail

In the world of cocktails, few classics offer the pure elegance of a Manhattan. For those of us who believe real tastes better, it’s the gold standard—a cocktail that elevates great whisky without masking it. Whether it’s your first Manhattan or your fiftieth, this guide brings a Canadian craft perspective to one of the world’s most iconic drinks.

The Manhattan: A Spirit-Lover’s Classic

Stirring a Manhattan cocktail made with Durham Distillery's Firehouse Spirits - Canadian 100% Rye Whisky
Stirring a Manhattan cocktail made with Durham Distillery’s Firehouse Spirits – Canadian 100% Rye Whisky

More than just a cocktail, the Manhattan is a ritual. With roots dating back to

19th-century New York, it’s built on bold whisky, herbaceous vermouth, and just the right hit of bitters. There’s lore and mystery behind its origin—one story credits the Manhattan Club in NYC; another nods to a Broadway bartender. One of our favourite theories? Manhattan’s 212 area code inspires it: 2 oz whisky, 1 oz vermouth, 2 dashes of bitters.

What remains unchanged is its enduring appeal. A proper Manhattan is all about balance, showcasing the spirit at its core.

Choosing the Right Whisky: Why Rye Leads the Way

At Durham Distillery, we’re proud to craft whisky that lovers can believe in—honest, all-natural, and built to stand out in a cocktail or on its own. For the Manhattan, rye whisky offers a spicier backbone that plays beautifully with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Our Pick:

Want to experiment? Bourbon can bring a rounder, softer flavour, but rye is the gold standard for those who appreciate structure and spice.

Vermouth: The Unsung Hero of the Manhattan

Pouring a Manhattan cocktail into a Durham Distillery Coupe Glass
Pouring a Manhattan cocktail into a Durham Distillery Coupe Glass

Not all vermouth is created equal. It introduces nuance and sweetness as a fortified wine infused with herbs and botanicals.

While tradition leans heavily on sweet vermouth, we recommend a blend of both to highlight the whisky’s character without overpowering it—especially when using a well-structured Canadian rye like Firehouse.

The Final Touch: Bitters and Garnish

Bitters are essential. They tie everything together, adding layers of spice and aroma.

Perparing a garnish of Sullivan Luxury cherries for the Manhattan cocktail
Preparing a garnish of Sullivan Luxury cherries for the Manhattan cocktail

We recommend:

Durham Distillery Cocktail Companion Aromatic Bitters – Crafted with all-natural botanicals, this staple is the secret behind many of our favourite bar creations.

Garnish with care:

Opt for cocktail cherries with real depth—avoid the neon red. We love Sullivan Luxury Cocktail Cherries, which you can find in our tasting room and shop.

Glassware & Technique: The Ritual Matters

A Manhattan is meant to be sipped and savoured. Serve it neat, in a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Never shaken—always stirred.

A picture of Durham Distillery 's Firehouse Spirits - Canadian 100% Rye Whisky with the ingredients to make a Manhattan Cocktail
Durham Distillery Manhattan Kit

How to Make a Durham Distillery Manhattan:

    1. Add 2 oz Firehouse Spirits 100% Canadian Rye Whisky,
       ¼ oz sweet vermouth,
       ¼ oz dry vermouth,
       and 2 dashes of Durham Distillery Aromatic Bitters into a mixing glass.
    2. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds until properly chilled.
    3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
    4. Garnish with 2–3 cocktail cherries.

Pro Tips:

    • Chill your glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes for the perfect pour.
    • For easy entertaining, batch your base and store it in the freezer—2 cups whisky, ½ cup vermouth, bitters to taste.

Real Tastes Better: Why This Cocktail Matters

At Durham Distillery, every bottle tells a story. Our spirits are masterfully crafted with real, all-natural ingredients—never rushed, never artificial. The Manhattan is a canvas for that philosophy. It’s not about flashy garnishes or unnecessary flair. It’s about balance, quality, and celebrating the craftsmanship behind every pour.

Whether you’re discovering this drink for the first time or fine-tuning your own recipe, the Manhattan remains a cocktail worth coming back to.

More Craft. Less Compromise.

Looking to elevate your home bar? Please stop by our retail store, explore our online shop, or subscribe for more founder insights, cocktail inspiration, and early access to limited-edition spirits.

Because at Durham Distillery, we don’t cut corners. We cut through the noise—with flavour, authenticity, and a belief that real tastes better.

Posted on

How to Order a Martini: A Craft Connoisseur’s Guide

A picture of a martini with a lemon twist and a bottle of Patio Lanterns Vodka from Durham Distillery in Ajax, Ontario.

Your Guide to the Martini – Classic Craft, Pure Flavour

The Martini may be one of the most iconic cocktails in the world, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Its minimalist ingredients leave room for interpretation—and personality. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned spirit lover, this guide will help you decode the options and order (or make) a Martini that speaks to your taste. At Durham Distillery, every spirit is a love letter to craftsmanship—and every martini is a chance to taste that promise.

A Brief History of the Martini

A customer pouring a martini into a glass from a Boston shaker using Durham Distillery's London Calling Dry Gin
Pouring a fresh martini using Durham Distillery’s London Calling Dry Gin

Like many classics in the cocktail canon, the Martini’s origin is a bit of a mystery. Most roads trace back to the Martinez, a 19th-century drink made with Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters—a richer, sweeter version of what we know today. First appearing in print in The Modern Bartender’s Guide in 1884, it reflected the tastes of the time: round, aromatic, and full of character.

Over time, that profile evolved. As palates shifted and dry gins came into fashion, the Martinez gradually became the Martini—sharper, cleaner, and iconic in its simplicity. What remained constant? The Martini has always been a canvas for craftsmanship and personal preference.

At Durham Distillery, we believe every great Martini tells a story—not just of its origins but of the ingredients you choose. Here’s our guide to help you craft (and order) a Martini that reflects your taste, using the spirits we masterfully create right here in Ontario.

How to Order (or Make) a Martini That Suits You

Whether you’re at your favourite cocktail bar or making one at home, here’s how to decode the Martini and make it your own.

Choosing Your Base – Gin or Vodka?

Gin Martini

Herbal, botanical, and layered with complexity. A true classic.

If you’re looking for a refined, balanced base, our London Calling Dry Gin is a standout—crafted with care to highlight bright citrus and subtle spice without overpowering juniper. It’s the gin we built for your Martini glass.A Martini is traditionally made with gin. It’s a spirit-forward cocktail that showcases the complexity of the botanicals and the finesse of the distillation.

Vodka Martini

Smoother and more neutral, with a clean finish and subtle character.

Prefer something cleaner and more neutral? Opt for vodka. Our Patio Lanterns Vodka is naturally distilled for ultra-smoothness—no harsh edges, no additives, just pure spirit. It lets the vermouth and garnish shine while offering a silky, easy-drinking experience.

Martini Style Explained

A picture of a martini with a lemon twist and bottle of Patio Lanterns Vodka
A martini with a lemon twist made using Durham Distillery’s Patio Lanterns Vodka

Dirty Martini

A savoury twist with olive brine—bold and briny.

A splash of olive brine gives this version its name and signature kick. It’s a great choice if you like your cocktails with depth and a bit of salinity. Try it with London Calling Dry Gin for a herbal contrast or Patio Lanterns Vodka for a more brine-forward sip.

Dry Martini

Minimal vermouth for a spirit-forward experience.

“Dry” simply means less vermouth. You’ll taste more of the base spirit—gin or vodka—making this ideal for those who appreciate clarity and precision. A dry Martini with London Calling Dry Gin is our distiller’s go-to.

Wet Martini

More vermouth creates a smoother, rounder cocktail.

Unlike dry, a wet Martini uses more vermouth for a mellower, a slightly sweeter experience. This is a great starting point if you’re easing into the world of spirit-forward cocktails.

Perfect Martini

Equal parts dry and sweet vermouth—balanced and nuanced.

This isn’t about perfection—though you might think so after tasting it. A “perfect” Martini uses equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, creating a nuanced, richer cocktail. Think of it as a bridge between the Martinez and the modern Martini.

Shaken or Stirred?

    • Shaken: Chills quickly, introduces more dilution and air—light and refreshing.
    • Stirred: The classic method. Keeps the drink smooth, clear, and pure.

At Durham Distillery, we stir ours out of respect for both flavour and tradition.

Your Garnish, Your Statement

A picture of two maritini's, one wth a lemon garnish and one with a olive garnish.
Two martinis, once with a lemon twist and one with an olive garnish.

Your garnish says a lot.

    • With a Twist: Lemon peel adds brightness and zest.
    • With an Olive: Brings a savoury pop that complements the spirit.

Pro Tip: Try a rosemary sprig or cucumber ribbon for a Durham Distillery twist with one of our other gin expressions (Paradise City Citrus Gin or Purple Rain Gin).

Here’s How to Get Started

If this is your first time diving into the world of Martinis, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Whether you’ve never stirred a cocktail in your life or you’re looking to level up your home bartending game, we’ve got everything you need to make your perfect pour.

Start with Simple Recipes

A great place to begin is our Cocktail Recipe Page. We’ve put together easy, tried-and-true classics like the Lychee Martini with step-by-step instructions and flavour notes.

Each recipe highlights our all-natural spirits—so you can focus on taste, not guesswork.

Take a Cocktail Class with Us

Want a hands-on experience? Join one of our Cocktail Classes at the distillery. You’ll learn the foundations of making a great Martini, from shaking vs. stirring to choosing the right garnish—and you’ll leave with the confidence (and recipes) to impress your next guests.

Whether you start with a lemon twist or an olive, the most important ingredient is curiosity. We’ll help with the rest.

Make It Yours – Then Share It

Making a Martini at home with London Calling Dry Gin or Patio Lanterns Vodka?

We want to see it.

Snap a photo, tag us @TheDurhamDistillery, and use #RealTastesBetter for a chance to be featured on our page.

Posted on

A Beginner’s Guide to Whisky

A picture of copper column from a still at Durham Distillery in Ajax, Ontario.

Welcome to the World of Whisky

Head Distiller of Durham Distillery, Chris Ferg, doing a barrel pull of whisky
Head Distiller, Chris Ferg, doing a barrel pull of whisky

Whisky is more than a spirit—it’s a story told through grain, time, and tradition. It’s about patience, precision, and palate. Some whiskies age quietly in barrels for decades. Others are bottled younger, bold and bright. Whether you’re here out of curiosity or because a friend handed you a glass and said, “Just try this,” we’ve got you covered.

And if your first sip was Crown Royal and you thought, “Maybe whisky isn’t for me,”—you’re not alone. I thought the same thing. Turns out, I just hadn’t found the right one.

What Is Whisky? A Quick Overview

A picture of three barrels next to a still at Durham Distillery in Ajax, Ontario
Three barrels are aging by a still at Durham Distillery.

Whisky is a distilled spirit made from grains like rye, corn, wheat, or barley. After distillation, it’s aged in barrels to develop complexity. The flavour depends on everything from grain choice to oak to time—and yes, even spelling.

    • “Whisky” (Canada, Scotland, Japan)
    • “Whiskey” (USA, Ireland)

Despite the spelling differences, they all reflect the same thing: a commitment to craft.

Types of Whisky Around the World

Each region brings its own style, ingredients, and history to the bottle. Here’s a

quick primer:

Canadian Whisky

    • Aged at least 3 years
    • Often blended from separately aged grains
    • May include up to 9.09% flavouring or other spirits
    • At Durham Distillery, we skip the shortcuts. No additives. Ever.

Bourbon & American Whiskey

    • Bourbon: 51% corn, aged in new charred oak, with strict production rules (check out my post on how bourbon influences Durham Distillery’s whisky philosophy).
    • American whiskey: broader category, less regulation, more variety
    • Start with: Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 81, or Sazerac Rye

Scottish Whisky (Scotch)

    • Made from malted barley
    • Aged in oak, often with peat smoke for earthy, smoky flavour
    • Try: Glenfiddich 12, Laphroaig 10

Irish Whiskey

    • Triple-distilled and typically smoother
    • Made from unmalted barley
    • Great intro brands: Jameson, Green Spot, Redbreast 12

Japanese Whisky

    • Inspired by Scotch, aged in Mizunara oak
    • Known for precision, purity, and complexity
    • Try: Nikka, Hibiki

Where Should You Start?

If you like… Try this style Suggested Whisky
Black pepper, spice Rye Firehouse Spirits Canadian 100% Rye (Durham Distillery), Lot 40, Sazerac Rye
Vanilla, caramel, toast Bourbon/Corn Harvest Moon (Durham Distillery), Buffalo Trace, Bardstown Bourbon Company
Smoke, earth, campfire Scotch Glenfiddich 12, Laphroaig 10

Next Steps on Your Whisky Journey

Two customers are clinking glasses to enjoy Durham Distillery whisky
Two customers enjoying Durham Distillery whisky

Once you’ve found a style that speaks to you, take it further:

                      • Explore cask strength whiskies (higher proof, undiluted.
                      • Try different barrel finishes (rum cask, sherry cask, etc.)
                      • Join a whisky-tasting club or follow distillers on social for new releases

And don’t be afraid to circle back. Your palate will evolve. What felt too strong one year might become your go-to dram the next.

Ready to Start? We’ve Got You.

At Durham Distillery, we craft small-batch, additive-free Canadian whiskies that celebrate real ingredients, real flavour, and real craft.

Final Thought

Whisky isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. Take your time. Taste widely. Be curious. And most of all, enjoy the process.

Because at Durham Distillery, we believe real tastes better.

Cheers!

 

Posted on

Real Local Craft Spirits Deserve Real Support

Head Distiller Chris Ferg dumping a new cask of whisky

Why It’s Time to Stand with Canadian Craft Distillers - A Turning Point

Head Distiller Chris Ferg giving a talk with customers at a whisky tasting
Head Distiller, Chris Ferg, giving a talk with members of our Distiller's Experience Series 01

The Canadian craft spirits landscape is growing—but not always in the right direction. More consumers than ever are looking for real, high-quality spirits made with care and looking to support local craft distillers. At the same time, a wave of mass-produced brands is entering the market, trying to look craft without actually being craft.

I founded Durham Distillery, a local Ontario distillery, on the belief that real

tastes better. That means using only all-natural ingredients, crafting in small batches, and refusing to cut corners. Today, that belief is more important than ever—and it needs defending.

Mass-Produced Spirits Are Disguised as “Craft”

It’s not hard to spot the difference—if you know what to look for.
More large producers are labelling their bottles as “small-batch,” “handcrafted,” or even “locally inspired.” But behind the branding, many of these spirits are produced in huge facilities with additives, artificial flavours, and no connection to real craft distilling values.

At Durham Distillery, we don’t just wear the craft label—we live it. Every Don't Fear the Reaper Vodka or Apple Pie Moonshine bottle is made with locally sourced ingredients, carefully distilled, and rigorously taste-tested before it ever reaches the shelf.

How Policy Leaves Local Distillers Behind

Here’s the truth: while mass producers flood the market, small Canadian distilleries face outdated regulations and unequal access to shelf space and distribution.

At the LCBO, for example, it’s far easier for big-name brands to secure visibility. Meanwhile, independent distilleries like ours are often delisted—even when our products outperform in taste and consumer feedback.

We need modern policies that support craft spirit producers committed to quality, not just quantity. This means creating fairer shelf placement rules, incentivizing the use of real ingredients, and opening more opportunities for consumer education and discovery.

Why This Matters to Craft Spirit Lovers

A pitcher of freshly dumped whisky
Freshly dumped whisky from our Distiller's Experience Series 01 - Cask #2

If you care about what’s in your glass, you should care about where it comes from.

Our customers—the Craft Connoisseurs—want more than just flavour. They want connection. They want to know the story behind the still, the source of the ingredients, and the hands that made it. And they want to be part of a movement that values integrity over mass appeal.

Supporting local distilleries in Ontario (and across Canada) isn’t just about buying better spirits—it’s about investing in the future of real craftsmanship.

How You Can Support True Craft Distilling

Here’s how to make a difference:

    • Choose real craft: Look for distillers who are transparent about ingredients, process, and scale. Start with Durham Distillery—we’re proud to share our story.
    • Ask for Durham Distillery at your local bar or restaurant.
    • Buy other local spirits at the LCBO and share why it matters with staff and friends.
    • Share this story to help others discover what “real” should taste like.

The Bottom Line: Real Tastes Better. Real Deserves Better.

A group of customers enjoy their whisky at an event in Durham Distillery, Ajax Ontario
Distiller's Experience members enjoying the newest release.

At Durham Distillery, we’ll always choose quality over shortcuts. We’ll never add artificial flavours. We’ll never compromise our small-batch standards. And we’ll always advocate for policies that protect what makes craft spirits worth sipping.

Because when you support local, you’re not just getting a better bottle. You’re keeping the soul of Canadian craft distilling alive.

Let’s raise our glass—and our voices.

Cheers!

Posted on

The Biggest Influences Behind My Whisky Philosophy

Picture of barrels at Durham Distillery

How Bourbon’s Traditions Help Shape Durham Distillery’s All-Natural Canadian Craft

When I first tried Canadian whisky, I wasn’t quite ready for its spicy rye kick. At the time, I leaned toward rum—sweet, smooth, and easygoing. But as I grew into my role as a distiller, my palate evolved. I learned to love the complexity of Canadian whisky. And along the way, I found a passion for bourbon.

Bourbon isn’t just a drink I enjoy—it’s a philosophy I deeply admire. From its storied history to the strict rules that govern its making, bourbon is grounded in discipline, tradition, and respect for the craft. That commitment to doing things the right way—not the fast way—resonates with me. Because at Durham Distillery, we believe real tastes better.

The ABCs of Bourbon—and What They Taught Me

An image of Head Distiller, Chris Ferg, doing barrel pull of whisky.
Durham Distillery Barrel Pull

There’s a shorthand in the bourbon world known as the ABCs. While we’re proudly Canadian, many of these guiding principles influence the way we craft our own spirits here in Ontario.
Let’s break them down:

    • A – Bourbon must be made in America.
    • B – It must be aged in new charred oak Barrels.
    • C – Must contain at least 51% Corn in the mash bill.
    • D – Must be Distilled to no more than 80% ABV.
    • E – Must Enter the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV.
    • F – Bottles must be Filled at 40% ABV or higher.
    • G – Must be Genuine—no artificial colours or flavours.

Obviously, we don’t follow “A.” Our spirits are made right here in Canada. But nearly every other principle has inspired our approach.

How Bourbon Philosophy Shapes Our Canadian Craft
Barrels: The Backbone of Flavour

A picture of Durham Distillery's Age Your Own Rye product.
Durham Distillery Age your own Rye

At Durham Distillery, we age all our premium whisky releases in brand-new American oak barrels. That fresh wood infuses the spirit with bold character—tannins, spice, vanilla, and depth—that can only come from time and patience.

This philosophy is central to our Distiller’s Experience releases, including Series 01 and our Age Your Own Rye experience. These aren’t just whiskies—they’re invitations to explore the transformative power of wood right alongside me.

For fellow wood-aging nerds, we’ve even built a reference page for our Age Your Own Rye to help them gain a deeper understanding of the role the barrel plays in aging whisky.

Grains: A Spectrum of Mash Bills

A picture of two Durham Distillery whisky bottles with the medals they were award in competitions.
Two of Durham Distillery’s Award-Winning Single Barrel Whisky Releases

Each whisky we craft tells a different story, and it starts with the mash bill. The first three I started with were:

Using a variety of grain profiles allows us to showcase the full range of flavours Canadian whisky can offer without additives or shortcuts.

Distillation: Proof Meets Purpose

Every grain behaves differently during fermentation and distillation. I’ve learned through hands-on trial and error that:

    • Corn-based mashes perform best when distilled at lower proofs (~160–178).
    • Rye-heavy mashes often benefit from higher distillation proofs (180+), highlighting their layered complexity.

I don’t chase a “one-size-fits-all” target—I tailor the process to the spirit’s potential.

Barreling: Entry Proof that Elevates Flavour

For our Distiller’s Experience Series 01, I’ve used a 110 proof entry point, inspired by the techniques used at Michter’s. This lower proof helps the water in the spirit draw more flavour from the wood—yielding a richer, more textured whisky over time.

And when it comes time to bottle? I never go below 90 proof. Why dilute what nature perfected?

We’re also working toward releasing cask-strength whiskies—pure, bold, and unfiltered. Just how I like to drink it.

Purity: No Additives. No Exceptions.

One of the key reasons I’ve always respected bourbon is its stance on purity—no flavouring, no colouring, no gimmicks. Sadly, Canadian regulations allow up to 9.09% of additives in whisky without requiring disclosure.

That’s not how we do things at Durham Distillery.

Every bottle we release is made from 100% all-natural ingredients. No added sugars. No “flavour enhancers.” Just grain, yeast, oak, and time. The way it should be.

Building on Tradition. Distilling for the Future.

A picture of Durham Distillery's Distillers Experience award winning whisky.
Durham Distillery Distillers Experience Series 01 Awards

We’ve been proud to earn national awards for our early whisky releases—not because we follow trends, but because we stay true to our craft. Every decision we make is guided by one simple idea:

Real tastes better.

And that’s the spirit we pour into every bottle.

If you want to experience the difference, check out our online shop—or better yet, stop by our retail store at the distillery for a taste. We’d love to welcome you to the Durham Distillery community.

Cheers!

Posted on

Fig Gin Sour

 

Fig Gin Sour

Rich, smooth, and subtly sweet, the Fig Gin Sour is a sophisticated twist on the classic gin sour. London Calling Dry Gin is a crisp base, perfectly complemented by a lush sweetness from fig jam and demerara syrup. A zesty kick of fresh lemon adds tart brightness, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Type

Cocktail

Spirit

London Calling Dry Gin

Keyword

Cocktail, Gin, London Calling Dry Gin

Equipment

  • Rocks Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Jigger
  • Hawthorne Strainer
  • Bar Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 oz London Calling Dry Gin
  • ¾ oz Lemon Juice
  • ¾ oz Demerara Simple Syrup
  • 1 Bar Spoon of Fig Jam
  • Lemon twist (garnish)

Steps

  • Add LONDON CALLING DRY GIN, lemon juice, demerara simple syrup, fig jam, and ginger bitters into a shaker.
  • Cap shaker and shake vigorously.
  • Add ice and shake for another for 10-15 seconds.
  • Strain into a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist & enjoy!
Posted on

London’s Calling

 

London's Calling

Take the classic Tom Collins to new heights with London’s Calling, a refreshing twist on this timeless cocktail. Crafted with our London Calling Dry Gin, this vibrant drink is infused with the bright, fruity essence of blueberry syrup and the aroma of fresh mint. The result is a crisp, herbaceous concoction with a sweet berry flavour that’s both light and refreshing. It's perfect for sipping on a sunny day or enjoying with friends.

Type

Cocktail

Spirit

London Calling Dry Gin

Keyword

Cocktail, Gin, London Calling Dry Gin

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Jigger
  • Bar Spoon
  • Muddler

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz London Calling Dry Gin
  • 1 oz Blueberry syrup
  • 1 oz Lemon juice
  • Soda water
  • 5 Mint leaves and a mint sprig
  • 1 Cocktail Companion - Lemon Wheel (garnish)

Steps

  • Add mint leaves to the bottom of the highball glass and muddle.
  • Pour LONDON CALLING DRY GIN, lemon juice, blueberry syrup and mint leave into the highball glass, and stir.
  • Top off with ice and add soda water.
  • Add a mint sprig and Cocktail Companion - Lemon Wheel for garnish and enjoy!