A START-up gin and whisky distillery on the outskirts of York has partnered with more than 60 outlets across the country in its first three months since releasing its inaugural gin.

Based in Sutton-on-the-Forest, Cooper King Distillery released its pioneering product, Cooper King Dry Gin in spring this year.

The company, which was founded in 2016 by Dr Abbie Neilson, a scientist and Chris Jaume, a chartered architect, has since announced its impressive figures of the gin being stocked in more than 60 outlets, including a number of leading brands.

Commenting on the news, co-founder of Cooper King Distillery, Chris Jaume said: “Having only recently released our first product a few of months ago, we’re thrilled to already see it available in more than 60 outlets across the country.

“We’re really proud of the success we’ve already experienced on this journey, and so grateful to the many independent stockists that recognise the importance of supporting local producers in the industry.”

Described by the Gin Fayre as a “game changer”, Cooper King Dry Gin is now available in independent stores, restaurants and gastro-pubs across the country, from Hastings to Cumbria, along with an ever growing following of Founders’ Club members from America to Australia, Japan and Germany.

One of the major partnerships to have been formed includes Booths supermarkets, an independent, family-owned company.

With similar values to Cooper King, the high-end supermarket brand works closely with local suppliers from the northern counties in which it resides; Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Pete Newton, spirits buyer for Booths said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with small artisan producers such as Cooper King Distillery, we work hard to champion quality local produce across the region.

“We are looking forward to seeing sales progress as we deliver another new, local gin to our range”

As the first distillery in Europe to join international environment initiative, 1% for the Planet, which sees a minimum of one per cent of sales of Cooper King Dry Gin contributed towards environmental non-profits, Cooper King Distillery actively works to partner with businesses with shared values.

Further stockists of Cooper King products include House of Malt in Cumbria, Buon Vino in Yorkshire, Loki Wine Merchants in West Midlands and further south still, In Vino Veritas in London.