The heart of the beautiful Surrey county which has inspired authors, artists and artisans for centuries, saw an award-winning distillery open up in 2017. The Surrey Copper Distillery Ltd was founded by Chris and Katherine Smart, both of whom are PhDs in biochemistry and brewing respectively. Chris worked as the Head of Brewing Services at Campden BRI and is a qualified distiller who heads The Surrey Copper Distillery Ltd. Katherine is a lecturer in Brewing and Distilling at the University of Cambridge along with being a distiller, botanist, and an author. 

Their resumes sound intimidating but their spirits are ones any drinks enthusiast will come to love. The distillery produces a distinctive library of spirits, inspired by the history and essence of England. Unique flavours and aromas headline the spirits, two of which were among the winners at the 2021 London Spirits Competition. An annual spirit judging competition, the London Spirits Competition judges spirits on their quality, value and packaging. The spirits are judged by bar managers, bartenders, spirits buyers from the top bars, restaurants and off-premise chains of the United Kingdom. 

The two spirits from The Surrey Copper Distillery Ltd that won at the competition were the Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 3 and Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 1. Volume 3 was awarded a gold medal with a score of 90 points, while Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 1 scored a silver medal at the competition. Handcrafted in small batches in a copper pot still, the Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 3 includes juniper, orris root, angelica, liquorice, coriander, lemon peel and seven other botanicals. The herbal and sweet nose and a slightly herbal palate makes the London Dry a great base for cocktails. 

The Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 3, Source Facebook

The distillery has created its own concoction, the Copperfield’s Chocolate Orange Cream. Here’s what it includes and how to make it at home. 

Ingredients:

• 15 ml of Copperfield London Dry Gin Volume 3 (Orange Spice)
• 10 ml Cointreau
• 60 ml Irish Cream Liqueur 
• 15 ml chocolate syrup

Add all of the ingredients to a rocks glass with ice and stir. Grate dark chocolate over the top and garnish it with a spiral of orange zest.

The juniper-led gin is exceptionally smooth and contains traditional winter spice notes and subtle hints of bitter orange on the mouth.