Self-built distillery set to begin production

A boutique Yorkshire-based gin and whisky distillery is nearing completion, with 75% of the build finished and gin distillation set to begin early next year.

England’s first self-built whisky and gin distillery, Cooper King Distillery in Sutton-on-the-Forest in North Yorkshire, will start production of its gin and open its doors to members of the public early in the new year. The whisky distillation will follow in spring 2018, with a predicted release date of 2023.

Established by co-founders Chris Jaume and Dr Abbie Neilson, Cooper King Distillery is based on the site of a former horse’s stable.

The gin will be produced in micro-batches using ten and five litre stills. Cooper King Distillery will combine innovative cold vacuum distillation with traditional hot copper-pot distillation.

The business will invite local people and tourists to experience first-hand how gin and whisky is made, with a production area, cask maturation warehouse, tasting-room and spirit shop open to the public.

A team of family, friends and Founders’ Club members are working together to ensure the build is completed within the next month.

With over 250 founding members already signed up to its Founders’ Club, Cooper King Distillery has called for both whisky and gin enthusiasts to help shape the future of the distillery by becoming part of the Cooper King Distillery community.

Co-founder Chris Jaume said: “We are delighted to have the distillery over 75% complete, having worked long and hard on the construction it is extremely exciting to be so close to beginning distillation. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has helped with the construction, family, friends and founders, we really appreciate them helping to make our dream a reality.”