The Copper Rivet Distillery is located in Chatham, Kent, England, on the banks of the River Medway. Founded in 2016 by the Russell family, it operates from a restored Victorian pump house at Chatham Dockyard, a site with over 400 years of Royal Navy history.
The distillery's flagship product is Dockyard Gin, which has gained recognition for its quality and distinctive flavour profile. The gin is crafted using a combination of traditional and modern distillation techniques.
The distillery utlises three custom-made copper stills manufactured by John Dore & Co, a renowned still maker. These include a 500-litre pot still, a 3,000-litre pot still with a 10-plate rectification column. This equipment allows for precise control over the distillation process and a grain-to-glass approach, meaning the distillery oversees the entire production process from raw ingredients to bottling. The base spirit is crafted from locally sourced grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, which are fermented and distilled on-site.
The gin's botanical mix includes juniper berries, orange peel, lemon peel, green cardamom, coriander seed, angelica root, and orris root, along with elderflower sourced locally.
The distillation process for Dockyard Gin involves a combination of vapour infusion and steeping methods. Some botanicals are placed in the still's gin basket for vapour infusion, while others are steeped directly in the base spirit. This dual approach allows for a more complex flavour profile, extracting different characteristics from each botanical.
In terms of taste, Dockyard Gin has a well-balanced flavour profile. The initial aroma is dominated by juniper, with hints of citrus and floral notes. The juniper provides a traditional gin backbone, while the citrus elements from orange and lemon peel offer brightness and zest. The elderflower contributes subtle floral notes, and the green cardamom adds a touch of warmth and spice.
Dockyard Gin has received several awards since its launch, including a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Silver Outstanding medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
The Copper Rivet Distillery also produces other spirits, including vodka and whisky. The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the distillation process and sample their products.
The distillery's location in the historic Chatham Dockyard adds to its appeal. The area's maritime heritage is reflected in the branding and packaging of Dockyard Gin, which features nautical themes and references to the local area's shipbuilding past.
The Copper Rivet Distillery has attracted royal attention due to its location in the historic Chatham Dockyard and its commitment to local industry and craftsmanship. In November 2019, the distillery received a visit from Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, who toured the facility and learned about its operations.
Princess Anne's visit was part of her role as Patron of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. The royal visit highlighted the distillery's contribution to the area's economic regeneration and its role in preserving and repurposing historic buildings. During her tour, Princess Anne was shown the distillation process and met with the Russell family, who founded the distillery. This royal endorsement served to raise the profile of the Copper Rivet Distillery and its products, including Dockyard Gin, on a national level. It also underscored the importance of supporting British industry and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas with rich maritime heritage like Chatham.
