Introducing 604 - the new gin inspired by Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral unveil new gin made by the team at Copper Rivet Distillery

 Rochester Cathedral have launched a new gin made by the team at Copper Rivet Distillery and inspired by the rich history of Rochester Cathedral. The gin called 604 will be available for purchase at Rochester Cathedral.

The name, 604, celebrates Rochester Cathedral’s 1400-year heritage as England’s second oldest Cathedral. The Cathedral was founded on the banks of the Medway in AD604 by St Justus. The imagery on the label is taken from the famous fresco at Rochester Cathedral painted to mark the Cathedral’s 1400th anniversary in 2004.

It was important to Rochester Cathedral to work with local partners on this collaboration and Copper Rivet Distillery are certainly local. Chatham Historic Dockyard, where Copper Rivet Distillery are based, can be seen from the roof of Rochester Cathedral. It is located on the other side of the river Medway as it winds its way through Chatham and Rochester.

Rochester Cathedral joins three other English Cathedrals who have launched gins to raise funds for conservation, mission, and development. Blackburn, Bristol, and Portsmouth have all worked with local distilleries in recent years. Rochester Cathedral relies upon the generosity of visitors and so initiatives like this are vital for raising much needed income.

All profits from the sale of 604 will go towards keeping the Cathedral open free of charge and safe.

Dr Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester says “We are enormously grateful to the Dockyard Distillery for collaborating on this project which will help raise crucial funds for the Cathedral every time a glass of 604 is raised.”

Bob Russell, Founder of the Copper Rivet Distillery and a member of the Rochester Cathedral Business Guild is delighted have been chosen to produce the 604 Gin for Rochester Cathedral.

Bob Russell says that “this cooperation underlines the success that can be derived from two local entities working together to achieve a shared vision and we wish Rochester Cathedral every success with their gin.”

604 Gin is a premier gin inspired by historical recipes, using the botanicals: juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, orris root and angelica root. This light and subtly citrus gin is crisp and refreshing. It is best enjoyed over ice, with your favourite tonic water and garnished with a slice of fragrant lime.

 Only 240 bottles are available of 604 Gin. It will be exclusively available for purchase at Rochester Cathedral. Bottles will go on sale on the 15th November with bottles priced at £39.99.

About Copper Rivet Distillery

Copper Rivet Distillery opened in 2016 and is based in Chatham Historic Dockyard. It is the only spirit maker in Kent taking responsibility for the complete process of brewing and distilling from grain to glass, ensuring an exceptional range of totally distinctive and unique premium spirits.

Photos by Steve Hartridge