Distillery | Cotswolds Distillery |
Bottler | OB |
Serie | Casks Expressions Collection |
Bottled for | |
Distilled date | Not Specified |
Bottling date | 2021 |
Country | England |
Region | England |
Age | |
Cask Type | 1st-fill ex-Bourbon white oak casks |
Cask Number | |
Alcohol percentage | 59.1 |
Volume | 0,70 |
Condition | In original container |
Label | Perfect |
Stock | 3 |
Cotswolds Distillery Bourbon Cask Small Batch Release: A Symphony of Sweet and Smoky Elegance
Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, the Cotswolds Distillery has swiftly become a beacon of innovation and excellence in the English whisky landscape. Their Bourbon Cask Small Batch Release, bottled in 2022 as part of the Casks Expressions Collection, is a testament to the distillery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With an impressive 59.1% ABV, this expression has matured for 14 years in 1st-fill ex-Bourbon white oak casks, delivering a sensory journey that captivates the palate.
Tasting Notes:
The expertly crafted Cotswolds Distillery Bourbon Cask Small Batch Release opens with a nose that invites exploration. The scent is a delightful blend of candied fruits, strawberry glaze, and dates, complemented by Maraschino cherries and subtle drops of iodine. The bourbon cask's influence is apparent, contributing soot and creosote notes, providing the whisky with body and complexity.
As the golden elixir graces the palate, a beautiful, oily mouthfeel unfolds—a hallmark of the distillery's meticulous cask selection. The sweet, salty, and sour sensations intermingle seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. The candied sour fruit profile takes center stage, akin to a blend of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, featuring tart gooseberries and passionfruit. The interplay of sweeter malty and chocolate notes adds a dimension rarely experienced in whiskies of this age.
The finish is a journey unto itself—ever so slightly drying, intensifying in spice, yet maintaining the beauty of the fruits as they gracefully transition into a final grassiness. Despite its youth, the Cotswolds Distillery Bourbon Cask Small Batch Release showcases an unmatched quality of spirit that lingers long after the last sip.
Cotswolds Distillery: A Beacon of Excellence
Established in 2014, the Cotswolds Distillery has swiftly risen to prominence, producing both English whisky and gin. A collaborative effort with master distiller Harry Cockburn and cask maturation expert Dr. Jim Swan has resulted in a distillery that exudes innovation and quality.
Crowdfunding Success and Technical Specifications:
The distillery's growth has been fueled by successful crowdfunding initiatives, including a €3.50 million raise on Crowdcube for a visitor center. Technical specifications include a 0.5-tonne mash tun, eight 2,500-litre washbacks, and two copper pot stills supplied by Forsyths of Rothes, Scotland. In addition to whisky, the distillery boasts a diverse gin portfolio produced on a 500-litre hybrid pot and column still.
Awards and Recognition:
The Cotswolds Distillery has received accolades for its exceptional products and visitor experiences. The Cotswolds Dry Gin has garnered awards such as World's Best London Dry Gin at the 2016 World Gin Awards. In the whisky realm, the Cotswolds Single Malt's new-make spirit earned a remarkable 94/100 in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, receiving the prestigious 'Liquid Gold' award.
Conclusion:
The Cotswolds Distillery Bourbon Cask Small Batch Release stands as a shining example of the distillery's dedication to crafting remarkable expressions. With each bottle, enthusiasts are invited to embark on a journey into the heart of the Cotswolds, where innovation, quality, and a deep respect for the craft converge. This release, a harmonious balance of sweetness and smokiness, reinforces Cotswolds Distillery's position as a beacon of excellence in the world of English whisky.
Our Cotswolds Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky is created from select first-fill ex-Bourbon casks in which our rich and fruity single malt spirit has been patiently matured. These premium American oak barrels are ideal for ageing whisky and impart delicious notes of vanilla and honey. This sweet and malty cask strength expression is a whisky for purists and a wonderful expression of our distillery character.
~ Non-chill filtered
~ Natural colouring
~ 700ml
~ 59.1% ABV
~ €75.79
~ Malt: 100% locally grown, traditionally floor malted barley from the Cotswolds.
~ 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: Premium first-fill ex-Bourbon casks from Kentucky, made from American white oak (Quercus alba).
Our Bourbon Cask expression begins with our new make spirit which is already incredibly smooth, rich and fruity thanks to the pair of yeasts we use, the long 90-hour fermentation and the tight heart cut on the spirit still. We dilute it to 63.5% ABV before filling premium American oak ex-Bourbon casks from Kentucky for full term maturation, allowing the key maturation processes of flavour extraction, oxidation and evaporation to work their magic on our already smooth spirit. These barrels haven't been steamed, so they come to us still moist, their staves soaked with wonderful Bourbon whisky.
Over the years, we've been combining these barrels with STR ex-red wine casks to produce our Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky; yet this is our first whisky bottling to be exclusively Bourbon-matured. This whisky expression is truly a whisky lover's malt and delivers the typical sweet flavours you would expect from Bourbon casks, most notably vanilla, honey, malt sugars, caramel and even the occasional hint of coconut.
Bottled non-chill filtered with only minimal proofing down for maximum flavour, without added colouring.
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!
Nose
Decadent vanilla custard with a hint of malt.
Taste
Raisins and caramelised figs, delicate vanilla.
Finish
Subtly earthy with a hint of honey.