THE FIRST JUNIPER BUSHES ARE PLANTED AT THE DISTILLERY

Gin’s key ingredient is the wonderful juniper berry, of which we use the variety Juniperus communis which brings that all important resinous, piney note to our gins. In line with our ethos of sourcing raw materials as close as possible to the point of distillation, today saw the planting of the very first juniper bushes at the distillery.

Planting our own juniper reduces reliance on imported berries, lowers the carbon footprint of this signature botanical and celebrates Yorkshire’s bounty.

30 young bushes were planted by the Cooper King team, which will live to around 100-120 years old! These could produce enough juniper for around 15,000 bottles of gin a year once mature, though it takes 8-10 years before the female plants will produce their first crop of berries ready for distillation. It’s an undertaking that requires time and patience, which, as a gin and whisky distillery, is something we’re used to.

Juniper is one of the UK’s only three native conifer species and has seen a decline of 44% in England alone (between 2010-2016). It is identified as a species of conservation concern for England (under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) and is a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan…. Which means any efforts to help boost its numbers are welcome.

This is the start of the Cooper King Juniper Project and is a demonstration of our long-term commitment to sustainability. One day we will be able to share a gin with you that has been distilled with juniper berries grown a stone’s throw away from the vacuum gin stills. We can’t wait.

Did you know we have our own beehive onsite too? Read more in our blog. Also, discover why and how we’ve created England’s first carbon-negative gins here.