single malt 6/2018 4y

About

Cotswolds Distillery opened in 2014 as the Cotswolds' first full-scale distillery and released this pioneering expression in 2018—a 4-year-old single malt crafted from barley sourced from local West Midlands farms. This Founder's Choice marks the debut of English single malt whisky production at a scale previously unseen in the region. Matured in ex-bourbon and STR casks (sweetened, toasted, re-toasted), the whisky is bottled at 46% ABV—accessible enough for newcomers, yet characterful enough to showcase the distillery's craft without the intensity of cask strength. The nose offers soft fruit—red berries, citrus, and honey—grounded by solid malt. The palate echoes that red-fruit freshness with hints of treacle, while oak plays a supporting role. This is not an attempt to mimic Scottish tradition, but an honest expression of what English barley whisky can be: light, fruity, and unpretentious.

Flavour Profile