The Copeland Distillery

What The Copeland Distillery does

The Copeland Distillery is a craft spirits producer headquartered in Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland, operating from a single site on Ireland's east coast that also functions as a visitor centre. Founded in 2016 (firmographics) with whiskey distilling commencing in 2019, the company produces a portfolio spanning Traditional Irish Gin, Rhuberry and Raspberry & Mint gins, Jones 1778 Navy Strength Gin, Merchants' Quay blended and single-grain whiskeys, 25.3/25.4 single malt and pot still whiskeys, Smugglers' Reserve dark rum, Pot Still Irish Vodka, and Copeland Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, plus limited releases (e.g., 26.1 Cask Strength, 26.2 Peated Single Malt) and special editions (Ulster Rugby). Production is grounded in traditional methods — copper pot stills, double and triple distillation, cask maturation in bourbon, sherry, Pinot Noir, Pedro Ximenez, Moscatel, and charred oak — with proprietary differentiation including foraged Sea Pink Maritima botanicals and cask-aged gin techniques.

The business monetises through four primary streams: (1) direct-to-consumer e-commerce via the company's own website plus on-site distillery collection, (2) wholesale distribution through Classic Drinks in the Republic of Ireland and Tradebright in the United States, (3) retail listings through SuperValu/Centra, Tesco NI, and local off-licences, and (4) on-trade placements at hospitality venues such as The Merrion Hotel Dublin and Clandeboye Lodge. Unit pricing ranges from £27 for Rhuberry Gin to £42 for cask-strength Navy Strength Gin, with limited-edition whiskeys priced at premium levels and cask ownership/build-a-firkin programs providing a collector and investor pathway. Distillery tours and events, plus content marketing, social media, and PR around a deep awards bench (including the IWSC Best Contemporary Gin Trophy), serve as customer acquisition and brand-building channels.

The company's strategic posture is that of an award-credentialed craft challenger scaling through partnerships: it expanded to the United States in 2022 via Tradebright across six states (targeting eleven), secured Republic of Ireland distribution with Classic Drinks, and continues to launch limited-edition whiskeys to build scarcity and collector demand. Sub-brands (Merchants' Quay, Smugglers' Reserve, Jones 1778, Copeland Cold Brew) segment the portfolio, and co-development with Brian Watts of The Great Northern Distillery supports whiskey blending capability beyond the 11–50 person team.

Name

The Copeland Distillery

Legal name

The Copeland Distillery Ltd

Website

https://copelanddistillery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Copeland Distillery is a craft spirits producer based in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, manufacturing award-winning Irish gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka using traditional copper pot stills, distributed through DTC e-commerce, Irish retail, and US wholesale channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Spirits Manufacturing

NAICS

Distilleries (312140), Distilleries (31214)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Craft gin production
• Irish whiskey distillation
• Premium spirits manufacturing
• Distillery tours experiences
• Cask ownership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Donaghadee

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Spirits Product Sales: Direct sales of alcoholic beverages including whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, and coffee liqueur through e-commerce and physical retail. Products sold in standard bottles (70cl), miniatures (5cl), and refill pouches (2.1L).
2. Distillery Tours and Events: Revenue from visitor centre tours, tasting experiences, and bar service. Offers tours that include history of the distillery, production demonstrations, and spirits tasting.
3. Wholesale Distribution: Bulk product sales to distributors and stockists including Classic Drinks (Republic of Ireland) and Tradebright (USA).
4. Cask Ownership Programs: Cask shares and build-a-firkin programs allowing customers to own and invest in whiskey casks. Pre-registration for future whiskey releases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Copeland Distillery is a craft producer of premium Irish spirits located in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, manufacturing Irish Gin, Single Malt and Pot Still Whiskey, Dark Rum, Vodka, and Coffee Liqueur using traditional copper pot stills and foraged coastal botanicals. The distillery also operates a visitor centre offering tours, tasting experiences, and cocktail events, complemented by direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution to the UK, Republic of Ireland, and the US.

Product overview

The Copeland Distillery is a craft spirits producer based in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, offering a diverse portfolio of premium Irish spirits including Gin (Traditional Irish Gin, Rhuberry Gin, Raspberry & Mint Gin, Navy Strength Gin), Irish Whiskey (Single Malt, Pot Still, and blended expressions under the Merchants' Quay range), Rum (Smugglers' Reserve), Vodka (Pot Still Irish Vodka), and Coffee Liqueur. The distillery operates a core product line supplemented by special edition collaborations (Ulster Rugby), gift bundles, refill pouches, miniatures, and merchandise. Products are distributed domestically in Ireland and exported to the USA (Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Colorado, Missouri, Georgia) with plans to expand. The distillery offers visitor experiences including tours and events at their Donaghadee location.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Merchants' Quay: Range of Irish whiskeys including blended and single grain varieties.
• Smugglers' Reserve
• Jones 1778
• Copeland Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

Products and services

• Traditional Irish Gin Award-winning traditional Irish gin featuring 12 carefully selected organic botanicals including Sea Pink Maritima foraged from the Copeland Islands. Winner of Outstanding Gold award (99 points) and Best Contemporary Gin Trophy at IWSC 2022. 70cl at 45% ABV.
• Rhuberry Gin Fruit-distilled gin with hints of rhubarb and blackberry, made using locally sourced County Down fruits. 70cl at 37.5% ABV.
• Raspberry & Mint Gin Fruit-distilled gin with hints of raspberry and mint, using locally sourced County Down fruits. 70cl at 37.5% ABV.
• Jones 1778 Navy Strength Gin Cask-aged gin honoring US Navy Captain John Paul Jones, aged in Kentucky bourbon casks for 120 days and Oloroso sherry casks for 20 days. Winner of Gin Masters Master Award 2021 and IWSC Gold Award 2020. 70cl at 57% ABV.
• 25.3 Single Malt Irish Whiskey Double distilled Single Malt Irish Whiskey from 100% malted barley, aged minimum 5 years. A blend of eight select casks including first-fill American Bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry quarter cask, finished in ex-California Pinot Noir cask. 700ml at 46% ABV.
• 26.2 Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey First ever Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey release, crafted from 100% peated malted barley, double distilled in copper pot stills. Matured in first fill American Bourbon, Pedro Ximenez and Charred Oak casks for minimum 5 years. 1,020 bottles, 700ml at 46% ABV. Non-chill filtered, natural colour.
• 26.2 Cask Strength Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey Cask strength peated single malt whiskey from 100% peated malted barley, minimum 5 years aged, bottled at cask strength. 180-288 bottles, 700ml at 57.6% ABV.
• 26.1 Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey Double-distilled Single Malt Irish Whiskey voted 'Best Single Malt in Ireland under 11 Years Old' at 2025 Irish Whiskey Awards. Matured in ex-Pinot Noir and ex-Syrah barriques previously holding overproof rum. Minimum 5 years aged at cask strength. 860 bottles, 700ml at 57.8% ABV.
• 25.4 Pot Still Irish Whiskey First batch release of Double Distilled Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Crafted from mash bill of 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley. Matured in first-fill American Bourbon cask for 4 years 8 months, finished 4 months in ex-California Pinot Noir cask. Non-chill filtered. 70cl at 46% ABV.
• Merchants' Quay 5-year-old Single Grain Irish Whiskey Unique Single Grain Irish whiskey aged 5 years in American Bourbon barrels, finished in Moscatel wine casks and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Natural colour, non-chill filtered. Awarded Gold at 2025 Irish Whiskey Masters. 70cl at 46% ABV.
• Merchants' Quay Blue Label Blended Irish Whiskey Unique blend of three whiskeys (grain whiskey, double distilled and triple distilled malts) aged in four different casks. Winner of IWSC Silver Award 2021 and Silver Medal at US Bartender Awards 2024. 70cl at 40% ABV.
• Smugglers' Reserve Dark Rum Dark rum offering two expressions following similar manufacturing processes, differing in blend ratio and aging process, including Grand Cru Bordeaux cask-aged expressions. Part of the core product range exported to the USA.
• Copeland Pot Still Irish Vodka Eight times distilled from sugar beet in a pot still (traditionally used for whiskey distillation) for maximum copper contact. Produces a creamy, textured mouthfeel with smooth, crisp taste. 70cl at 37.5% ABV.
• Copeland Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur Coffee liqueur for coffee lovers with distinctive melting dark chocolate notes leading to a delicious, sweet and rich finish. 50cl at 22% ABV.
• Ulster Rugby Irish Gin Special edition gin distilled with 12 botanicals including Sea Pink Maritima foraged from the Copeland Islands. Produced on the same copper stills as award-winning Irish Gin. 70cl at 42% ABV.
• Ulster Rugby 'Centenary' Irish Whiskey One-off 5-year-old Pot Still Irish Whiskey created to mark 100 years of rugby at Ulster Rugby's home at Kingspan Stadium. Only 280 bottles available. 70cl at 46% ABV.
• Hero Bundle Bundle featuring Traditional Irish Gin (45% ABV), Smugglers' Reserve Rum (40% ABV), and Merchants' Quay Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV).
• Mini Hero Collection Mini collection containing 50ml bottles of Smugglers' Reserve Rum, Merchants' Quay Irish Whiskey, and Merchants' Quay Single Grain Irish Whiskey.
• Mini Distillery Collection Full range mini collection containing 50ml bottles of all core spirits: Traditional Irish Gin (45% ABV), Rhuberry Gin (37.5% ABV), Smugglers' Rum (40% ABV), Irish Vodka (37.5% ABV), Merchants' Quay Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV), and Merchants' Quay Single Grain Irish Whiskey (46% ABV).
• Mini Gin Collection Mini collection containing 50ml bottles of Rhuberry Gin, Traditional Irish Gin, and Jones 1778 Navy Strength Gin.
• Ulster Rugby Bundle Bundle including Ulster Rugby Irish Gin (42% ABV) and Ulster Rugby Blended Irish Whiskey (42% ABV).
• Distillery Tours and Tasting Experiences Award-winning tours at the Donaghadee visitor centre covering distillery history, production demonstrations, tasting sessions, and cocktail experiences for visitors and consumer groups.
• Whiskey Cask Ownership Programs Cask share and build-a-firkin programs allowing customers to own and invest in whiskey casks, with pre-registration for future whiskey releases.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99 points out of 100 at IWSC 2022 for Traditional Irish Gin
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Little WingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Partnership with Little Wing for distillery tour giveaway competition. Promotion offering 1st prize of distillery tour for four people (worth £100) and two runner-up prizes of tours for two people (worth £50 each). Marketing collaboration to drive visitor engagement.
• Clandeboye Lodge (Coq & Bull brasserie)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Seasonal cocktail partnership featuring Copeland Irish Gin in 'Copeland Cranberry Spice' cocktail. Festive special using gin with cranberry juice, cinnamon sugar syrup, fresh lemon juice and egg white. Available during Christmas season at Coq & Bull brasserie.
• The Merrion Hotel, DublinminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2024Cocktail partnership featuring 'Smugglers Swizzle' cocktail using Grand Cru Bordeaux cask-aged rum. Premium hotel placement showcasing Copeland rum products on cocktail menu at prestigious Dublin establishment.
• TradebrightcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2022Partnership with trade promotion firm Tradebright (offices in Waterford, Washington and Los Angeles) enabling US market entry. Secured contracts for distribution in Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Colorado, Missouri, and Georgia. Tradebright has six states signed up with more in pipeline for establishing Copeland brand across US.
• Classic DrinkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Classic Drinks appointed as distributor for Republic of Ireland, expanding Copeland's footprint in the southern Irish market. Key distribution partnership for domestic market expansion alongside Northern Ireland listings.
• Brian Watts, Master Distiller at The Great Northern DistillerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Brian Watts, Master Distiller at The Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, to create Merchants Quay blended Irish whiskey. Joint development of unique blend combining grain whiskey, double distilled malt, and triple distilled malt whiskeys aged in four different casks.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Teeling Whiskey: Dublin-based craft Irish whiskey and gin distillery with comparable product portfolio spanning single malt, small batch, and gin. Similar DTC focus, distillery tours, and international export ambitions make Teeling a closely comparable peer.
• Rademon Estate Distillery: Northern Ireland craft distillery located in Downpatrick, producing Shortcross Gin and whiskey. Geographic proximity in County Down and similar craft positioning targeting premium Irish spirits make this a highly comparable peer.
• Glendalough Distillery: Irish craft distillery producing a comparable portfolio of premium gin, whiskey, and Poitín with similar DTC, on-trade, and export distribution strategies. Both target craft premium positioning with award-driven marketing.
• Boatyard Distillery: Fermanagh-based Northern Ireland craft distillery producing Boatyard Vodka, gin, and whiskey. Closely comparable craft producer in the same Northern Ireland market with similar product range and direct-to-consumer distillery experience focus.
• Waterford Distillery: Irish single malt whiskey specialist with strong emphasis on provenance and craft production. Comparable premium positioning, single malt focus, and international export strategy targeting whiskey enthusiasts and collectors.
• Sliabh Liag Distillers: Donegal-based Irish craft distillery producing An Dúlamán Gin and Silkie whiskeys. Comparable craft Irish spirits producer with maritime heritage branding, foraged botanicals, and small-batch premium positioning.
• Echlin's Distillery: Northern Ireland craft distillery based in Saintfield producing Echlin's Gin and single pot still whiskey. Comparable craft producer with similar product portfolio, Northern Ireland heritage, and small-batch premium approach.
• Killowen Distillery: Northern Ireland craft distillery producing gin, whiskey, and Poitín with strong emphasis on traditional methods and farm-to-still provenance. Comparable craft positioning with award-winning products and limited release strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Jameson: World's largest Irish whiskey brand owned by Pernod Ricard. While operating at massive scale and broader market positioning, Jameson defines the Irish whiskey category in which Copeland competes and shapes retail buyer expectations.
• Tullamore D.E.W. Major Irish whiskey brand owned by William Grant & Sons with global distribution. Represents the broad incumbent competitive set Copeland must differentiate against in on-trade placement, retail shelf, and consumer brand recognition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CopelandDistill
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCn1rzgJVd0hl27U1S1yRV-Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/CopelandDistillery
• Instagraminstagram.com/copelanddistillery
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/copeland-spirits

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Copeland Distillery