Copper Rivet Distillery
Copper Rivet Distillery opened in 2016 within the magnificent Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent — one of England's most significant industrial heritage sites and itself a major visitor attraction. A grain-to-glass producer, Copper Rivet uses exclusively Kentish grain for all its spirits, operating as a genuine farm-to-bottle operation in the English tradition. The distillery produces English single malt whisky under the Masthouse label — named after the ancient craft of ship mast-making once practised at Chatham's Royal Dockyard — alongside Dockyard Gin and Vela Vodka. It is one of the most dramatically sited distilleries in England, surrounded by Georgian warships and restored Victorian buildings.
Tours
Available
On-site Shop
Open
Online Shop
Available
History
Copper Rivet Distillery was established in 2016 by a team determined to revive craft distilling in Kent using local grain. The Chatham Historic Dockyard provided a setting with deep maritime history: the Royal Dockyard produced warships for the Royal Navy for centuries, and its distinctive historic buildings now house a range of cultural and commercial operations, including the distillery. Copper Rivet's founders chose to root every aspect of production in Kentish ingredients — establishing meaningful provenance in England's emerging craft whisky scene.
The distillery's Masthouse whisky underwent the mandatory three-year maturation period before its first release in November 2020. That debut sold strongly, with the Signature and Reserve expressions going on to establish Masthouse as one of England's better-regarded single malts. The Dockyard Gin, inspired by the history of the Royal Dockyard's victualling operations, became an early success, alongside the Vela Vodka crafted from Kentish grain.
Production
All grain used in production is sourced from Kent. Whisky is pot-distilled and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and virgin American white oak barrels. The Masthouse Single Malt Signature and Reserve expressions form the core whisky range. The distillery operates within the historic dockyard complex at Chatham, benefiting from its riverside location on the Medway estuary in Kent (postcode ME4). Gin and vodka are produced alongside whisky, all from Kentish grain.
Tasting Character
Masthouse Single Malt is pot-distilled from specially grown Kentish grain and aged in ex-bourbon and virgin American white oak barrels, producing a clean, sweet English malt character. The Signature expression offers approachable vanilla, cereal, and light fruit notes, while the Reserve develops more depth through extended maturation. The use of virgin American oak adds a distinctive richness and gentle spice. Dockyard Gin carries juniper-forward character with citrus and spice notes reflecting the dockyard setting. Vela Vodka is clean and grain-forward, built from the same Kentish heritage grain.
What They Produce
Notable Bottlings
- Masthouse Single Malt Signature£49.50 — Clean, accessible English single malt, ex-bourbon and virgin oak
- Masthouse Single Malt Reserve£49.50 — Extended maturation, greater depth and complexity
- Masthouse limited cask releases — Occasional small-batch expressions
- Dockyard Gin£31.95 — Kentish grain gin with juniper and citrus character
- Vela Vodka£26.49 — Grain vodka from Kentish grain, clean and smooth
Buy their whiskey
9 Copper Rivet Distillery bottles stocked across 1 retailer.
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Visiting
Copper Rivet Distillery is located within Chatham Historic Dockyard, itself one of England's best maritime heritage attractions. Tours are available and should be booked via the official website. The dockyard setting provides an exceptional backdrop, with access to restored warships, naval history, and craft industries. An online shop and physical shop on site are both available. The distillery sits at Chatham Maritime, Kent.
Official Website
