Adnams Copper House Distillery

Adnams Brewery was established in 1872 in Southwold by George and Ernest Adnams. For nearly 140 years it focused exclusively on beer. In 2010 the company installed a Carl copper pot still and rectifying columns at the brewery — the first steps towards a full distilling operation. An original 800-litre copper pot still with 42 rectifying columns was sourced from Carl of Germany and put into operation in November 2010. The operation expanded significantly in 2015 with the addition of two further pot stills. Within three years of launch, the Copper House Dry Gin had won the IWSC Trophy in 2013 — a remarkable early validation. Adnams has since built a network of retail shops across East Anglia in Southwold, Norwich, Bury St Edmunds, and elsewhere, giving it unusually strong regional distribution for a craft distillery.

All grains are locally grown East Anglian varieties — the same barley, rye, wheat, and oats used in Adnams' beers. The distillery malts its own grain, giving it complete control from field to bottle. Equipment comprises multiple Carl copper pot stills with rectifying columns. The whisky range is unusually diverse in grain composition: the Single Malt uses 100% malted barley; the Triple Malt uses 60% barley, 35% wheat, and 5% oats; and the rye whisky recipe includes 75% rye and 25% malted barley. Specific annual capacity and still sizes beyond the original 800-litre pot still have not been publicly detailed. The distillery's steam and water outputs are cycled back into the brewery, significantly reducing the energy footprint.

Adnams whiskies reflect their multi-grain origins and the mineral character of East Anglian water. The Single Malt shows bold runny honey, vanilla, apricot, and a lingering caramel finish with lush fruit. The Triple Malt is broader and richer — bold coconut and dark chocolate on the nose, with spice and toasted oak. The Wheat Whisky and Distiller's Choice extend the range further. The Copper House Dry Gin — the distillery's most-awarded product — is clean and aromatic, with juniper, coriander, and citrus balanced by subtle grain sweetness. The Longshore Vodka reflects the clean character of East Anglian barley spirit.

The Copper House Distillery is located at the Adnams Brewery site in Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6JW. Distillery tours are available and showcase the full grain-to-bottle process. Multiple Adnams retail shops across East Anglia serve as physical outlets; the flagship shop is in Southwold alongside the brewery and distillery. The online shop at adnams.co.uk covers the full spirits range with nationwide delivery.