Cotswolds Distillery Sherry Cask Small Batch Release 57.4% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (86)

Cotswolds Distillery Sherry Cask Small Batch Release: A Symphony of English Whisky Craftsmanship

Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, the Cotswolds Distillery has emerged as a beacon of English whisky and gin production since its establishment in 2014. Among their exceptional releases, the Cotswolds Sherry Cask Small Batch stands out as a testament to the distillery's commitment to quality and innovation. This limited edition, part of the Casks Expressions Collection, offers a unique exploration of maturation in American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts, culminating in a distinctive expression bottled at a bold 57.4%.

Tasting Notes:

The nose of the Cotswolds Sherry Cask Small Batch Release prompts a delightful intrigue. Unexpected elements such as toasted wood, nuttiness, and a touch of pine greet the olfactory senses. As the aroma unfolds, notes of candied fruits, strawberry glaze, and dates emerge, complemented by Maraschino cherries and a subtle hint of iodine. The active cask imparts a complexity that includes soot and creosote, creating a captivating bouquet with no clear off notes or sulfur.

On the palate, the whisky reveals its character with a spicy, faintly rubbery chocolate profile. Neat, it feels sharp and a touch weightless, but a judicious addition of water brings forth a harmonious blend of massive sherry influence and the distillery's signature fruity touches. The Cotswolds spirit, known for its gentle nature, finds itself enriched by the strong spiciness of the sherry cask, resulting in a full and satisfying mouthfeel.

The finish is a lingering affair dominated by a gingery sherry note. With the addition of water, the cask influence recedes, giving way to a gently sweet and fruity essence, characteristic of the Cotswolds distillate.

Cotswolds Distillery: A Journey of Craftsmanship and Innovation

Founded in 2014, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a beacon of excellence in the English spirits landscape. The distillery's commitment to quality is evident not only in its whisky releases but also in its award-winning gin portfolio, showcasing craftsmanship and innovation in every bottle.

The Distillery's Technical Specifications:

The Cotswolds Distillery boasts a well-equipped facility featuring a 0.5-tonne mash tun, eight 2,500-litre washbacks, and two copper pot stills from Forsyths of Rothes, Scotland. The gin production utilizes a hybrid pot and column still made by Arnold Holstein GmbH of Markdorf, Germany. The distillery's gin range, including Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, and innovative flavors like Wildflower and Hedgerow, reflects a dedication to diverse and high-quality spirits.

Awards and Recognition:

The Cotswolds Distillery has garnered acclaim, welcoming 15,000 visitors annually and earning distinctions such as Best Distillery Tour and Distillery Master awards. The Cotswolds Dry Gin, a flagship product, has been recognized globally with accolades like World's Best London Dry Gin at the 2016 World Gin Awards.

In the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray awarded the new-make spirit destined for Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky a remarkable 94/100, earning it the coveted 'Liquid Gold' award.

Conclusion:

The Cotswolds Sherry Cask Small Batch Release encapsulates the essence of the distillery's commitment to excellence. With its unique maturation process and bold flavor profile, it stands as a shining example of the craftsmanship that defines Cotswolds Distillery. For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and spirited journey through English whisky, this small batch release is an invitation to savor the harmonious marriage of sherry influence and Cotswolds' gentle spirit.

Official tasting note (86)

A marriage of carefully selected and blended sherry casks makes up this rich and fruity expression. Each yearly batch of our Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky is unique, drawn from our finest American and Spanish oak hogsheads & butts, some of which have been seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry and others with sweet Pedro Ximenez. All have been sherry-aged through their full maturation for a deeper and more flavourful whisky.

Full of dark stone fruits and a hint of roasted almonds, followed by peppery oak spice.

Carefully sourced ingredients
Malt: Odyssey, grown on Cotswolds farms and floor-malted at Warminster Maltings.

Serving suggestions
Best enjoyed on its own, but we don’t believe in rules when it comes to drinking whisky – sip this neat, over ice, in a cocktail – however you like!

Yeast: Two complementary varieties - Anchor and Fermentis - to ensure good yields and excellent fruity flavours.

Water: Village water supply - filtered, softened and demineralised before use.

Wood: American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts, seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry.

Lovingly crafted
We started making this release by using 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley from the Cotswolds which is mashed and then fermented for more than 90 hours before being distilled in our bespoke copper pot stills, resulting in a new make spirit with a fantastic fruity complexity.

We then took our fruity new make spirit and aged it in American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry. Once aged for its full term, we bottled the single malt whisky onsite with only minimal proofing down (57.4% ABV), non-chill filtered and without any added colouring.
Nose
Brown sugar and cherry pie with a touch of roasted coffee beans.
Taste
Viscous and rich. Full of dark stone fruits and a hint of roasted almonds.
Finish
Peppery oak spice accompanied by notes of dried fruits.