Cooper King Fine exciting new Gin distillery

Cooper King Fine Gin Distillery is an exciting new addition to the world of gin production, offering a unique and innovative approach to crafting high-quality spirits. Founded by Chris Jaume and Dr. Abbie Neilson in 2014, Cooper King is located in the picturesque countryside of North Yorkshire, England. The distillery focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, using locally sourced botanicals and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the production process.

One of the key factors that sets Cooper King apart from other distilleries is their commitment to sustainability. They have planted over 300 trees through their partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, offsetting their carbon emissions and working towards a greener future. Additionally, Cooper King sources their water from a natural spring on site, eliminating the need for excessive transportation and reducing their overall environmental impact.

In terms of product quality, Cooper King Gin is second to none. The distillery produces small batches of gin using a traditional copper pot still, allowing for a hands-on approach to crafting each bottle. Their signature gin, made with locally foraged botanicals such as hawthorn and lemon verbena, has a distinct and complex flavor profile that has garnered praise from gin enthusiasts around the world.

In addition to their exceptional gin, Cooper King offers a range of experiences for visitors to the distillery, including tours, tastings, and gin-making workshops. This allows gin lovers to learn about the craft of distillation and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind creating fine spirits. Cooper King also hosts events and collaborations with local artisans and businesses, further strengthening their ties to the community.

In conclusion, Cooper King Fine Gin Distillery is a shining example of innovation, sustainability, and quality in the world of gin production. With their dedication to environmental responsibility, commitment to producing high-quality spirits, and focus on providing engaging experiences for visitors, Cooper King has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry. Whether you’re a longtime gin enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft spirits, a visit to Cooper King is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

IT BEGAN IN TASMANIA

Inspired by the ingenuity and determination of the Tasmanian whisky distillers and compelled by our love of good whisky, we made the life-changing decision to bring their ethos back home to Blighty.

Taught by Bill Lark, the godfather of Tasmanian whisky, we armed ourselves with a wealth of knowledge gathered from across Tasmania’s now internationally acclaimed distilleries and beyond.

We returned to the UK in 2016 to establish an independent distillery, and made it our mission to produce sustainable spirits distilled with craftsmanship, honesty and adventure – the very same elements we fell in love with in Tassie.

RETURNING TO ENGLAND

Once back on English soil, we worked hard to source the finest ingredients and best craftspeople to help get the project off the ground. The Founders’ Club launched in 2017 to help finance the self-build: we immediately found ourselves surrounded by an enthusiastic network of gin and whisky drinkers from around the world, who helped turn our daring dream into reality.

Establishing a sustainable distillery which focuses on flavour and authenticity has been a wholesome team effort. We’ve supported many businesses across England on our journey so far, and the Cooper King team has grown into a vibrant and passionate crew.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

The first gin still was fired up in 2018, and the whisky still in 2019. Spirit has not stopped flowing since, all thanks to the help of our Founders, fans, friends and family. Read more about our sustainable spirits here.

This exciting and challenging venture continues at full-throttle. The release of Cooper King Single Malt Whisky in October 2023 signals the end of one journey, and the dawn of another.

You can take part in the adventure by visiting the distillery, drinking the spirits, buying a cask or joining the Founders’ Club when the next round launches (anticipated for 2024).

The Distillery

In the Heart of Yorkshire

We’re open every Saturday, 12pm – 6pm, with distillery tours running at 1pm and 3.30pm. You can book your tour here, or simply come along to enjoy a drink at the bar and browse the shop. With disabled access and visitor parking, everyone is welcome to witness first-hand how whisky and other spirits are made.

Located just ten miles north of the historic city of York, the distillery sits nestled between the rolling contours of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged Yorkshire Dales National Park. You can find us at The Old Stable, Stillington Road, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, YO61 1EH. Major attractions such as York Minster, Castle Howard and Whitby are nearby.

Collaborating with Michelin-awarded chefs, working with local coopers and stonemasons, partnering with nearby artists, sourcing from local growers and even harvesting honey from our on-site beehives, ensures exceptional products are created – whilst supporting a network of independent producers.

Using state-of-the-art vacuum distillation for the gin and vodka, and a bespoke Tasmanian copper pot still for the whisky, all our spirits are distilled, bottled and labelled here at the distillery.

HONESTY

Enjoy honest spirits that taste exceptional and benefit the environment, from a distillery powered by 100% renewable energy.

We believe drinking good spirits needn’t cost the Earth. That’s why we’re the first in Europe to join environmental initiative 1% for the Planet, and the first in England to produce carbon-negative gin and net zero energy whisky. We also plant one square metre of Yorkshire woodland or wildflower meadow for every bottle sold, thanks to our charity partnership with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

ADVENTURE

Inspired by the experiences of great-great-grandfather, Charles Cooper King, and fuelled by our wild adventures in Tasmania and beyond, we’ve self-built and crowdfunded a bold, independent distillery.

Founders, fans, friends and family helped us self-build on the site of an old stable block. The distillery houses a dedicated production area and cask maturation warehouse, together with a rustic tasting room and well-stocked shop.

Join us for tours, tasting evenings and special events. Guests after a luxury break away are encouraged to book into our on-site B&B.

Why The Name ?

A Family Name for a Family Business

Charles Cooper King, born in England in 1843 and Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Marine Artillery, was distillery founder Chris’s great-great-grandfather.

In 1885 he documented the Cooper King family history in beautiful and painstakingly handwritten volumes, tracing the family to almost every English county. His earliest known ancestors, dating back to 1030, were the Pigot (or Pygott) family of Yorkshire.