Please Note revised location: Aldeburgh Parish church, St Peter and St Paul’s IP15 5DY

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John McCarthy, esteemed head distiller at Adnams, who has passed away at the age of 55. John was a remarkable figure in the world of distilling, known for his passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Since the opening of the Copper House Distillery in 2010, John dedicated himself to crafting exceptional spirits that not only delighted the palate but also earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious IWSC Gin Trophy. His award-winning recipes have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his contributions to gin, whisky, and vodka will be celebrated for years to come.

A proud member of Worshipful Company of Distillers, the Gin Guild and the English Whisky Guild, John was deeply respected by his peers and the wider distilling community. His legacy extends beyond his remarkable spirits; he was a mentor and friend to many, always willing to share his knowledge and passion for the craft.

John was also a familiar face at the annual Ginposium, where he had the honour of speaking twice, sharing his expertise and insights with fellow distillers and those in the industry. His presence at such a event underscored his dedication to advancing the craft and inspiring others in the industry. He was recognised as an industry leader at the World Gin Awards in February 2023.

John will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Tributes from across the spirits community:

“Since joining the Gin Guild in 2013 John was a great supporter of the work we do to create a community for the global gin Industry. A regular attender at our events he will be sorely missed and I would like to send our heartfelt thoughts to his family and colleagues in Southwold”.

Pal Gleed, Director General of the Gin Guild.

John was a great source of light and inspiration to the entire world of craft distilling. With his vast knowledge of different types of spirits – vodka, gin, brandy, whisky, and absinthe – he was a rare, true master of distilling. Despite his achievements, he was incredibly humble and always happy to share a word of encouragement or advice. He will be greatly missed.
David T Smith

 

John was a very popular and esteemed member of the Guild and the WCD. He made a great contribution to both. He was a friend to many and I always enjoyed my conversations with him. He will be greatly missed.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. In sympathy.
Martin Riley, The Gin Guild

 

John was not only a master of his craft, innovative and passionate but he was such a warm, friendly and lovely man to work with. I enjoyed his company immensely. We, Adnmas and the whole industry has lost a real gentleman, professional and friend.
Anthony Benton, Joseph Flach & Sons

 

The Worshipful Company of Distillers:
“John became a Liveryman of the Distillers’ Company in November 2015 and regularly supported the Company.  In 2016 he took part in the Distillers’ Annual City Debate – “Craft Spirits – Friend or Foe of Global Brands” where he championed the position of craft brands.   We send our thoughts and condolences to his family and work colleagues.” – Lorne Mackillop, Master, Worshipful Company of Distillers.

 

English Whisky Guild:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John McCarthy this weekend. John bought Adnams into the Guild whilst I was Chairman and was very supportive during the Guild’s formative years. I also worked closely with him on cask maturation for a number of years. His enthusiasm and knowledge will be sorely missed”. Andrew Nelstrop, Past Chairman, The English Whisky Guild

Funeral details

John’s funeral will be on Wednesday 6th November at 2pm at Aldeburgh Parish church, St Peter and St Paul’s, IP15 5DY. The Director General will be representing the Guild at the ceremony to pass on the condolences from our members.

John McCarthy leaves behind a legacy of quality and dedication that will continue to inspire those in the distilling community.

Please email your tributes to John via pal.gleed@theginguild.com

You may also be interested in:

Adnams plc

The Adnams distillery, called the Copper House, sits within the Adnams brewery complex in Southwold in Suffolk, and many of the same ingredients – local barley, rye, wheat and oats
Adnams Copper house Gin Bottle

Adnams Copper House Gin

The team at Adnams redistill Adnams East Coast Barley Vodka with a special selection of botanicals to create Copper House Gin. East Coast Vodka is made from a distillery wash
Adnams First Rate Gin Bottle - The Gin Guild

Adnams First Rate Gin

Adnams from grain to glass, The Adnams First Rate gin is distilled from three locally-grown grains: barley, wheat and oats. Adnams Master brewer, Fergus Fitzgerald, makes a beer ‘wash’ from

Adnams Rising Sun Gin

Adnams Rising Sun Gin is made from grain to glass using East Anglian malted barley which is first brewed into an unhopped beer before being distilled to a vodka with
Adnams Smidgin Bottle

Adnams Smidgin

It might look small, but Smidgin is mighty in flavour, as it is made to do more with less. It’s a gin for making a low alcohol G&T, but it’s
Adnams Sloe Gin bottle

Adnams Sloe Gin

A truly distinctive, heart-warming, traditional-style Sloe Gin. Ruby red in colour, gentle aromas of red plums blend with a soft and gentle hint of marzipan. Sweetness and the natural bitterness

Adnams Orange and Sea Buckthorn Gin

With a whirl of fresh orange juice, pineapple, peaches, and tropical fruit flavours, this is an intensely fruity seasonal gin. Sea buckthorn grows wild all along the sandy east coast

Adnams Copper House Distillery

Come and explore behind the scenes and discover how they create their award-winning spirits, or get creative and make your very own gin! Tours of the Adnams distillery run every
John McCarthy, Adnams Gin Master Distiller

John McCarthy, Adnams

Updated October 2024. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John McCarthy, esteemed head distiller at Adnams, who has passed away at the age of 55.