A Yorkshire-based start-up distillery has announced that a very limited number of whisky casks will be available for private purchase.
Cooper King Distillery, England’s first self-built gin and whisky distillery, has made the announcement ahead of whisky production which is set to commence at the end of the month.
The distillery, which is based in Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, is providing the opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to own a 100-litre first-fill ex-bourbon cask, filled with new make spirit, and matured in the on-site bonded warehouse. The resulting single malt whisky can be traced from farm to bottle and will boast a flavour profile unlike any other in the UK, thanks to inspiration drawn from the founders’ experiences in Tasmania.
Co-founder of Cooper King Distillery, Chris Jaume commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting time for us; everything we’ve done over the last two years has been in preparation for production of our first whisky. We can’t wait to fill the first casks in a few weeks and continue our whisky journey”.
Founded in 2016 by Chris Jaume, a chartered architect and Abbie Neilson, a scientist, Cooper King Distillery was inspired by the couple’s travels through Australia, where they discovered the now world-renowned Tasmanian whisky scene.
Fascinated by the hand-crafted premium whisky industry and taught by Bill Lark, the ‘godfather’ of Tasmanian whisky, the pair were determined to bring their discoveries back home to England and set up a truly independent, self-built and sustainable distillery.
Locally grown Yorkshire barley will be traditionally floor malted in England’s oldest working maltings, before being mashed and fermented at the distillery, then distilled in the beautiful 900 litre Tasmanian copper pot still – the only one of its kind in Europe. On-site maturation follows, in casks coopered by the country’s only independent master cooper.
With a very small number of casks available for purchase, buyers will receive an invite to a celebratory event to be held this winter, which will see a select group of influencers, supporters and enthusiasts witness the filling of the first ever cask at the distillery.
Abbie Neilson said:
“We’re thrilled to finally be on the brink of whisky production; the journey we’ve been on over the last two years has been phenomenal. We’re so happy to be able to provide whisky enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to own a part of English whisky history, and to welcome them to the Cooper King family.”