Dutch Barn Vodka is a British spirit with a refreshingly modern ethos – crafted in North Yorkshire by Ellers Farm Distillery, a company founded on sustainability, provenance, and quality.
The distillery, nestled near York, was born out of a lockdown hobby and a passion for reducing waste.
Founder Chris Fraser first began experimenting with cider-making in 2014 after discovering an abandoned orchard at the bottom of his garden. Inspired by the idea of transforming windfall apples into something meaningful, he later turned his attention to vodka – specifically made from apples. That spar k led to the creation of Dutch Barn Vodka, which is now produced at a state-of-the-art facility built on the site of a former Dutch barn.
In 2023, the distillery gained a high-profile co-owner: comedian and writer Ricky Gervais. His investment helped elevate the brand’s visibility and expand its portfolio. Gervais has spoken openly about his enthusiasm for the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability, saying, “I love what we’re building at Ellers Farm… Dutch Barn Vodka, Y-Gin and a single malt whisky on its way”.
The distillery is B Corp certified, carbon neutral, and proudly uses British-grown apples for its vodka base—resulting in a naturally smooth, slightly fruity spirit that stands apart from grain-based alternatives.
The team are hands-on from start to finish. Tasting the spirit every 20 minutes because they are picky. Its’ with thanks to their relentless attention to detail, they have learnt that a dash of potato spirit gives a lush, creamy finish.
The Black Cherry edition is bold without being cloying. It opens with ripe cherry aromas and a hint of almond, followed by a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. There’s a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness, making it ideal for both sipping and mixing. It’s not overly syrupy, which means it plays well in cocktails without overpowering other ingredients.
Lending itself beautifully to a range of indulgent and vibrant cocktails. The distillery’s has shared a few from their own collection:
- Black Forest Martini: Black cherry vodka, Baileys Chocolate, espresso liqueur, single cream, and chocolate bitters. Garnish with shaved chocolate and kirsch-soaked cherries.
- Cherry Espresso Martini: Black cherry vodka, fresh espresso, espresso liqueur, and sugar syrup. Garnish with three coffee beans.
- Cherry Negroni: Black cherry vodka, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Serve over ice with an orange wedge and cherry.
Dutch Barn Vodka’s Black Cherry edition is a confident, well-balanced flavoured spirit that feels both indulgent and refined. It’s a testament to Ellers Farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability – and a welcome addition to any cocktail cabinet.
Whether you’re mixing up a winter warmer or a summer spritz, this cherry-infused vodka delivers depth and character with a distinctly British twist.