The Copper Rivet Distillery, established in 2016, is a family-owned enterprise located in Chatham, Kent. Situated in a converted Victorian pump house at the historic Chatham Dockyard, the distillery has quickly become a notable player in the burgeoning English whisky industry.
The distillery's location is significant, as Chatham Dockyard has a rich maritime history dating back over 400 years. The pump house, built in 1873, once served to drain water from the dockyard's dry docks. Now repurposed, it houses Copper Rivet's state-of-the-art distilling equipment, blending historical architecture with modern spirits production.
Copper Rivet prides itself on its grain-to-glass approach, sourcing ingredients locally. They work closely with Kentish farmers, particularly the Burden family at Burden Manor Farm, to grow specific varieties of barley, wheat, and rye. This collaboration ensures full traceability and quality control of their raw materials, a cornerstone of their production philosophy.
The distillery's whisky journey began with the installation of both column and pot stills, allowing for versatility in production. Their first whisky release, Masthouse Single Malt Whisky, debuted in 2020 after the mandatory three-year maturation period. This inaugural release marked a significant milestone for Copper Rivet and the wider English whisky scene.
Masthouse Single Malt is crafted using 100% Kentish malted barley. It's distilled in their bespoke pot still and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks. The whisky is noted for its smooth character with notes of vanilla, citrus, and subtle spice.
Following the success of their single malt, Copper Rivet introduced the Column & Pot expression. This blended whisky combines spirits from both their column and pot stills, using a mix of Kentish barley, wheat, and rye. The result is a complex whisky that showcases the distillery's range and skill in blending.
In addition to their core range, Copper Rivet has released special editions. One notable release was the Son of a Gun, a spirit drink made from a blend of their new make spirit and aged grain whisky. While not technically a whisky due to its young age, it offered enthusiasts an early taste of Copper Rivet's distilling prowess.
The distillery's commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Copper Rivet received a royal seal of approval when Prince Charles (now King Charles III) visited the distillery. During his visit, the Prince toured the facility, learning about their production processes and their commitment to local sourcing. This royal visit significantly boosted the distillery's profile and underscored its importance in the revival of English whisky production.
Copper Rivet has also been at the forefront of defining standards for English whisky. They've been instrumental in efforts to establish a legal definition for English whisky, similar to the regulations governing Scotch whisky. This initiative aims to ensure quality and protect the reputation of English whisky as the category grows.
The distillery offers a range of experiences for visitors, including tours and tastings. These experiences allow whisky enthusiasts to see the production process firsthand, from the locally sourced grains to the final product. The historic setting of the distillery adds an extra layer of interest to these tours.
Looking to the future, Copper Rivet continues to experiment with different grain combinations, cask types, and maturation techniques. They're also exploring sustainable practices in their production, aligning with growing consumer interest in environmentally conscious spirits.
In conclusion, Copper Rivet Distillery has quickly established itself as a significant force in English whisky production. Their commitment to local sourcing, innovative approach to distilling, and respect for their historic location have set them apart in a rapidly growing industry. As English whisky continues to gain recognition on the world stage, Copper Rivet is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future.
