We are Abbie and Chris

Once a scientist and an architect, we are now the founders of England’s most exciting new distillery. In 2014, a desire to leave the rat race led us across the globe to Australia, in search of sun, sand and adventure.

Whilst in Tasmania and researching for a whisky blog for friends back home, we visited all eight operational whisky distilleries at a time when the industry was just taking off. These small producers were carving a path for hand-crafted, premium whisky.

 
abbie-neilson-lark-tasmania-cooper-king-distillery.jpg

IT BEGAN IN TASMANIA

Inspired by the ingenuity and determination of the Tasmanian whisky distillers and compelled by our love of good whisky, we made the life-changing decision to bring their ethos back home to Blighty.

Taught by Bill Lark, the godfather of Tasmanian whisky, we armed ourselves with a wealth of knowledge gathered from across Tasmania’s now internationally acclaimed distilleries and beyond.

We returned to the UK in 2016 to establish an independent distillery, and made it our mission to produce sustainable spirits distilled with craftsmanship, honesty and adventure – the very same elements we fell in love with in Tassie.

RETURNING TO ENGLAND

Once back on English soil, we worked hard to source the finest ingredients and best craftspeople to help get the project off the ground. The Founders’ Club launched in 2017 to help finance the self-build: we immediately found ourselves surrounded by an enthusiastic network of gin and whisky drinkers from around the world, who helped turn our daring dream into reality.

Establishing a sustainable distillery which focuses on flavour and authenticity has been a wholesome team effort. We've supported many businesses across England on our journey so far, and the Cooper King team has grown into a vibrant and passionate crew.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

The first gin still was fired up in 2018, and the whisky still in 2019. Spirit has not stopped flowing since, all thanks to the help of our Founders, fans, friends and family. Read more about our sustainable spirits here.

This exciting and challenging venture continues at full-throttle. The release of Cooper King Single Malt Whisky in October 2023 signals the end of one journey, and the dawn of another.

You can take part in the adventure by visiting the distillery, drinking the spirits, buying a cask or joining the Founders’ Club when the next round launches (anticipated for 2024).

Sign up to the mailing list at the bottom of the page and follow our journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.