Weekender: Partnerships put start-up distillery on national map

A North Yorkshire start-up gin and whisky distillery has linked up with three leading UK stockists to supply a range of its award-winning gins.

Based in Sutton-on-the-Forest, Cooper King Distillery has added leading brands to its portfolio including English Heritage, That Boutique-y Gin Company, and Ocado.

And the distillery has expanded into 24 Booth’s stores, after initially seeing success with its products at the three Yorkshire stores of the independent, family-owned supermarket.

The business released its pioneering product, Cooper King Dry Gin, in May 2018. This drink has gone on to scoop several industry awards and now works with over 150 stockists across the country.

That Boutique-y Gin Company approached the distillery’s founding duo – Dr Abbie Neilson and Chris Jaume – for a collaboration and has released a bespoke summer gin named ‘Summertide Gin’.

Available via online retailer Master of Malt and through distributor Maverick Drinks, this gin is similar to Cooper King Distillery’s flagship Dry, but increases the citrus and dials down the spice, making use of makrut lime leaf, lemongrass, the distillery’s own honey and green cardamom.

Having partnered with the Great British Exchange, the premier trade supplier of British-made products which aims to source the best emerging British brands, Cooper King Dry Gin is now available on Ocado.

It can also be found within eight English Heritage locations across North Yorkshire. Having been on the shelves for the past four months, it has become one of the best-selling local food and drink items across the regional English Heritage sites.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: “Cooper King Distillery’s sustainable ethos and quality products aligns them perfectly with English Heritage. Their Dry Gin was introduced into our North Yorkshire sites in April and has proven to be very popular with customers who enjoy a quality gin and want to take away a regionally produced gift of their visit to Yorkshire.”

Jaume, co-founder of the distillery, said: “It has been an incredibly busy time for us, but we’ve enjoyed the challenges and successes from teaming up with further national stockists.

“The support from Great British Exchange has been phenomenal and it’s wonderful to see the gin available to a wider audience through Ocado. The Boutique-y Gin Company pride themselves on working with ‘the world’s best distilleries, brands and minds’, and together we’ve created a bright and zesty delight of a gin, perfect for enjoying outside this summer.

“We’re committed to creating sustainable spirits and the partnership with English Heritage, as well as increasing our presence in the leading independent supermarket, Booths, is a great fit and something we’re incredibly proud of.”

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