cotswolds

The Cotswolds Distillery was founded in 2014 by former finance manager Dan Szor in Stourton, England. As the first full-fledged distillery in the picturesque Cotswolds region, it produces both single malt whisky and gin. The distillery places particular emphasis on using locally grown barley, traditionally malted in Warminster. The whisky is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and STR red wine casks, giving it a fruity and complex character. With over 100,000 visitors annually, the Cotswolds Distillery is now one of the most popular whisky distilleries in the United Kingdom.

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Discover the Cotswolds Distillery: History, Whiskies and Production Methods

The Cotswolds Distillery is now one of the most famous whisky distilleries in England and has made a name for itself internationally. If you're interested in whisky and want to expand your knowledge, you'll love the Cotswolds Distillery's fascinating history, unique bottlings, and special production methods.

By the end of this article, you'll know why the distillery is so successful, what sets its whiskies apart, and how they're made. Get ready for a journey to the picturesque Cotswolds and be captivated by the world of English whisky!

The history of the Cotswolds Distillery

The story of the Cotswolds Distillery begins in 2014, when Dan Szor, a former Wall Street banker, realized his dream of producing whisky in one of England's most beautiful landscapes. Inspired by his passion for whisky and the breathtaking surroundings of the Cotswolds, Szor decided to start a new chapter in his life by establishing his own distillery.

From the very beginning, sustainability and quality were at the heart of the company. Szor set out to use local ingredients and establish artisanal methods to create an authentic English whisky. Today, the Cotswolds distillery is often considered a pioneer of English single malt whisky and has won numerous awards.

A look at the most famous bottlings

The whiskies from the Cotswolds Distillery have long been favorites of many connoisseurs around the world. Here's an overview of the most famous bottlings you should try:

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky

The Cotswolds Single Malt is the distillery's flagship bottling. It impresses with bold aromas of honey, vanilla, ripe fruit, and a hint of spice. It is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted, recharred wine) casks, giving it a complex flavor structure.

Cotswolds Peated Cask

For those who like smoky things, the Peated Cask is an exciting choice. Matured entirely in casks formerly filled with smoky (peated) whisky, the whisky offers a harmonious combination of peaty aromas and sweet fruitiness.

Cotswolds Founder's Choice

This special bottling matures exclusively in heavily toasted red wine casks and delivers intense notes of rich fruits, dark chocolate, and spicy spices. A true highlight for lovers of complex whiskies!

Seasonal and limited editions

The Cotswolds Distillery regularly releases seasonal and limited editions that will pique the interest of any whisky fan. These bottlings vary depending on the concept and experimental cask maturation, making them particularly exclusive.

The unique manufacturing methods

What makes the whiskies of theCotswolds Distilleryso special? It's the carefully thought-out and traditional manufacturing methods that take every detail into account:

1. Use of 100% local barley

The distillery places great emphasis on using barley that is entirely sourced locally. The barley is malted locally and is the main ingredient in the whisky, ensuring a distinctive regional character.

2. Slow fermentation

The Cotswolds Distillery relies on a particularly slow fermentation of over 90 hours. This creates rich fruit aromas and complex ester compounds that give the whisky its characteristic flavor.

3. Copper stills made by hand

Two handcrafted copper pot stills are used for distillation. These "pot stills" guarantee precise processing and perfect the character of the distillate.

4. Selection of first-class barrels

Maturation takes place in carefully selected barrels. From bourbon barrels to red wine barrels to STR barrels, the wood species and barrel treatment contribute significantly to the flavor.

5. No chill filtration, no added dyes

All whiskies from the Cotswolds Distillery are bottled without chill filtration and are completely natural. This means the whisky retains its original color and natural flavors.

Why is the Cotswolds Distillery special?

The Cotswolds Distillery is more than just a place where whisky is produced. It stands for tradition, sustainability, and pure passion for the craft. Every drop of whisky is a testament to the care and dedication that goes into every step of production.

Community and visitor friendliness

In addition to whisky production, the distillery places great emphasis on engaging the local community. Visitors are welcome and can take part in exciting tours, including viewing the production facilities and tastings.

Be inspired!

The Cotswolds Distillery has managed to become a true star of the whisky world within just a few years. Its history, its whiskies, and its traditional approach make it a must-visit for every whisky lover.

If you want to delve into the world of single malts, be sure to try a bottling from the Cotswolds Distillery. It will be worth it!