Who makes it?
From Humble Beginnings to a Distilling Legacy
The Copeland Distillery's journey began with a leap of faith in the summer of 2016. What started with a successful crowdfunding campaign, raising £30,000 from over 370 Founders, has grown into a beacon of innovation in the world of craft spirits. These early supporters, who took a chance on the brand's vision, were instrumental in bringing Copeland's first products to life.
After nine months of dedicated construction, the Copeland Distillery opened its doors in August 2019, breathing new life into a historic site in Donaghadee, County Down. The 6,500 square-foot space, once a cinema and bottling company, now stands as a testament to the distillery's commitment to the area's rich maritime and distilling heritage. The 125-year lease on the property underscores their ambition to share this history with both local and international visitors.
The Heart of the Distillery
Within the distillery walls, you'll find three copper stills—Betty, Hessie, and Pam—named in honor of the founder's grandmothers and mother. These stills are the heart of the operation, producing an award-winning range of spirits, including Traditional Irish and Navy Strength gins, along with a soon-to-be-released line of malt and pot-still whiskeys that are currently maturing.
The Copeland Distillery takes pride in its meticulous approach, carefully selecting wild and fair-trade botanicals and locally sourced fruits from the farms of County Down. Their mission is simple yet profound: to create exceptional, great-tasting spirits that surprise and delight, all while reflecting the history and traditions of the local area.
Beyond the bottles, the distillery offers a unique experience. Visitors can embark on a distillery tour to learn more about the production process, and even relax in the onsite coffee shop.
The story of Copeland Distillery is one of community, commitment, and a passion for crafting spirits that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
How is it made?
A bold and characterful expression of Copeland Distillery craftsmanship. 25.3 is a Single Cask, Double Distilled, Single Malt, made from 100% malted barley and matured for over 5 years in a maix of Bourbon, Pinot Noir Rum amd Oloroso sherry casks
What does it taste like?
Aroma
The initial nose is inviting, with a burst of tropical fruit (think ripe banana and pineapple) and creamy vanilla from the Bourbon and Rum casks. This is quickly balanced by deeper notes of dark dried fruit—raisins and figs—and a hint of nutty spice characteristic of the Oloroso sherry. There's a subtle background of sweet malt and a touch of oak spice.
Palate
The texture is velvety and full-bodied. The palate opens with the immediate sweetness of caramelized sugar and a gentle toffee note, a direct influence of the Rum cask. This evolves into a rich, malty core, where brown sugar and baking spices (cinnamon, clove) emerge. The Sherry influence provides a layer of dark chocolate and marzipan, giving it depth and complexity.
Finish
The finish is long, warming, and sweet-to-dry. It leaves a lingering impression of spiced oak, sweet molasses, and a final, satisfying dryness, courtesy of the Oloroso Sherry, with a hint of dried orange peel.
