Whitby Distillery Sloe and Bottle Swap 2025

As the leaves turn and the air gets that autumn snap, we’re swapping hedgerow bounty for bottles. Bring us your hand-picked sloes and we’ll trade you Whitby gin. Simple, local, and very Whitby.

How it works

1. Forage sloes (public land or with landowner permission only).
2. Prep & bag them (washed, stems/leaves removed; frozen if you can).
3. Drop them at our distillery and swap for gin on the spot.

The swap tiers

• 2 – 4.99 kg → 1 × 20cl Whitby Gin + 2 tonics
• 5 – 9.99 kg → 2 × 20cl Whitby Gin + a case of tonic (4 cans)
• +10 kg → 1 × 70cl Whitby Gin (full-size) + 2 cases of tonic (8 cans)

Plus: for every additional kg after the first 10 kg, you get additional product as per the tiered levels. 
(e.g., 18 kg = 1 × 70 cl + 2 × 20cl Whitby Gin + a case of tonic (4 cans).

You can use your full-size swap to reserve a bottle of our 2026 Sloe Gin (expected October 2026). We’ll take your details when you drop off.

When & where

Foraging & prep tips

• Pick only from public land or where you have permission.
• Choose ripe, dark purple, firm fruit; avoid mouldy or damaged berries.
• Wash and drain well. Remove leaves, stalks and twigs.
• Freeze overnight (helps split skins and boosts flavour extraction).
• Label your bag/tub with your name, email/phone, and an approximate weight if you can.
• Please use food-safe bags/containers (no perfumed bin liners or fertiliser sacks).

A few important notes

A little reminder that while we love your enthusiasm (and your sloes!), it’s important to pick responsibly — leave plenty behind for wildlife, and never strip a hedge bare. Balance is everything, in nature and in gin.

• You must be 18+ to claim alcohol.
• We’ll inspect fruit and may refuse anything unsuitable (mouldy/contaminated).
• Bottles and sizes are subject to stock.
• One swap issued per drop-off; for very large quantities we may arrange a follow-up.
• By taking part, you’re happy for your sloes to be used in Whitby Distillery’s future sloe gin batches.
• We’ll store your email to confirm any 2026 Sloe Gin reservations and keep you posted on collection. You can opt out any time.

FAQ

Do frozen sloes count by weight?
Yes. We weigh what you bring on the day (frozen or fresh).

Can I bring other berries or botanicals?
For 2025 it’s sloes only, please.

Can I split my swap across sizes?
We issue one swap per drop-off. For very large amounts we’ll make a fair split (e.g., 1 × 70 cl plus the relevant number of 20 cls) or arrange a follow-up.

What happens if I bring 12 kg? Or 25 kg?

• 12 kg = 1 × 70 cl + 1 x 20cl + 10 tonics
• 25 kg = 2 × 70 cl + 2 × 20 cl + 20 tonics

Can I use my 70 cl swap to reserve the 2026 Sloe Gin?
Yes. We’ll email confirmation. Bottling is expected October 2026.

Do you accept unwashed or untrimmed fruit?
Please wash and remove debris before dropping off. We may refuse unclean or unsuitable fruit.

What container should I use?
Food-safe bags or tubs. Please avoid anything perfumed or previously used for chemicals.

Will you keep my contact details?
We’ll store your email to confirm your swap and any reservation updates. You can opt out at any time; we respect your privacy.

Is parking available?
Yes—please use visitor parking at 8 Botany Way and check in at the front desk.

Can I drop off at weekends?
Yes