English — Malthound

Sampling Cotswolds Distillery New ‘Reserve Single Malt Whisky’ – Most Approachable!

November 17, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

The Cotswolds Distillery is delighted to announce the launch of a new addition to their range of award-winning whiskies – Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

“We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery”

Our new single malt whisky expression joins our growing range of English single malt whiskies. We’re excited to launch this smooth and elegant Reserve whisky which has been aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks.

We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.
– Dan Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky is made from 100% locally grown floor malted barley and is aged in specially selected first-fill ex-Bourbon and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks at a ratio of 80:20 – 80% Bourbon and 20% STR.

This expression showcases the influence of the the first-fill ex-Bourbon casks which provide classic notes of vanilla, honey, butterscotch and a hint of coconut, resulting in a smooth, elegant and well-balanced dram.

A touch of whisky from the STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks has been blended in to enhance the richness, fruitiness and sweetness of this whisky. Bottled at 50% ABV the whisky is both naturally coloured and non-chill filtered.

£54.95 / ABV: 50%
Available to buy from cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Distillery has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery)!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Cotswolds Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky (50%)

Ingredients:

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 barrels and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) American oak ex-red wine casks.

Nose: Crunchy green apple, sweet toffee, creamy vanilla and light floral notes – very inviting!

Palate: Very fruity with floral flavours – particularly rose – and sweet vanilla toffee.

Finish: Spicy and woody with lovely chocolate and shades of blackcurrant licorice.

Overall: A tasty, easy going, light whisky that is great to drink at anytime. I love the higher ABV – it always allows you to appreciate the flavours of the whisky in greater detail – and if it’s a tad strong for your liking – you can always add a little water!

Dan Szor, Cotswolds Distillery Founder said: “We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.” – I think he’s right!

Cotswolds Distillery Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Many thanks to cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery) for sending me the sample!

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a premier Cotswolds attraction, offering tours and tastings. The distillery and stores in Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water receive nearly 100,0000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. It has won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and was given two stars (one of one two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s first cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019. In the Spring of 2021, it also won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and won a Master Title at the Drinks Business & Spirits Business Spring Blind Tasting.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky has expanded its UK distribution and is available in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose stores across the UK. It was the first English whisky to be nationally listed by all three multiple grocers.

The Cotswolds Distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the World Gin Awards and received the Top Gold Outstanding Award in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Sampling Lakes Distillery “Bal Masque” – A Whiskymaker’s Edition With A Lot To Uncover!

September 21, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque”!

The fourth release in The Whiskymaker’s Editions series, Bal Masque is a showcase of The Lakes Distillery’s sense of adventure!

Paying homage to its risqué nature, this is not about playing safe and in transporting us to unchartered territories, the whiskymaker has masterfully conducted enigmatic French oak casks.

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball. Flavours and aromas mingle like masked revellers with featherlight touches.

Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating.

When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.

54% ABV, Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour.
Available now from LakesDistillery.com – the RRP is £70

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (Thanks Lakes Distillery!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes: Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque” (54%)

Nose: Rich sherry with plump juicy raisins accompanied by crisp, crunchy apples. Creamy vanilla is joined later by sugary marzipan.

Palate: Creamy substantial mouthfeel with that ABV hitting you right between the taste buds! Luscious cane sweetness and plump raisins and toffee. Pleasant shades of chocolate mint and orange – lovely!

Finish: A muted spice but the pepperiness is long and grows with time to become a force to be reckoned with. This together with the sweet, syrupy toffee fruits gives a very satisfying finish.

Overall: An excellent dram – and highly recommended! Full of flavours and at a tasty strength.
These Whiskymaker’s Editions keep getting better and better.
There’s a lot hidden under this Whiskymaker’s “Masque” – enjoy discovering them all today!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Introducing The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

September 7, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

The Lakes Distillery has launched a new limited-edition single malt whisky, The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball

The fourth release in The Whiskymaker’s Editions series, Bal Masque is a showcase of The Lakes Distillery’s sense of adventure.

Each one-off Edition is an expression of creative freedom, with an intrinsic objective to create outstanding flavours.

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball. Flavours and aromas mingle like masked revellers with featherlight touches.

Paying homage to its risqué nature, this is not about playing safe and in transporting us to unchartered territories, the whiskymaker has masterfully conducted enigmatic French oak casks.

Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating. When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.

With Bal Masque, forbidden orchard fruits entwine with sweet sensory spices, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg, and subtle background notes of toasted almonds and incense.

54% ABV, Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour.
Available now from LakesDistillery.com – the RRP is £70

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Wins Best Whisk(e)y In Show at American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT) Awards!

June 17, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Congrats To Cotswolds Distillery!

Cotswolds Distillery are delighted to announce that their Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky has just been awarded Best Whisk(e)y in Show at the prestigious American Spirits Council of Tasters ASCOT Awards 2021!

To my knowledge this the first time, in any major competition I have been part of, that an English Whisky has won Best in Show

This is the first time an English whiskey won a major spirits competition. Usually, Scotch, Japanese, Irish or bourbon whiskey win, with an occasional Canadian victor. What Cotswolds did is absolutely unprecedented. The best part is that you can buy this for less than $100 in the United States and 70 pounds in the UK.
– Fred Minnick: Creator of the new international spirits competition, the ASCOT Awards

Notes of toffee, oak and red fruits, and a beautiful, deep colour!

Fred Minnick is a Spirits personality and veteran tasting judge who is the host of his own Dash Radio show in America and co-founder of the Bourbon and Beyond Festival and host of Bourbon Up on Amazon Prime.

The ASCOT Awards have an extremely experienced tasting panel of 27 and the process of picking the multiple category winners was streamed live on YouTube. The transparent voting system saw Cotswolds Founder’s Choice previously winning Double Platinum and Best in Category for World Whisky, before winning Best in Show in a dramatic taste-off.

It was tasted across multiple categories against world-class spirits including Rye, Bourbon, Scottish and Irish Whisk(e)y. The five judges who made the final selection were: Fred Minnick, Lew Bryson, Max A. Solano, Clay Risen and Susan Reigler.

I am delighted that our English whisky, Founder’s Choice, has won such a prestigious award and against so many well-respected whisk(e)y brands from Scotland and the US.

The tasting panel is made up of well-respected American drink writers, mixologists and spirits educators and we are thrilled that they have chosen one of my favourite single malt whiskies from the distillery. We followed the process that was created by our mentor the late and great Dr. Jim Swan, who always believed our STR cask should have its own bottling.
– Daniel Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

Cotswolds Founder’s Cask is cask strength and comes from Founder Dan’s favourite “STR” casks: shaved, toasted and re-charred American Oak red wine barriques. These uniquely active casks give a rich and intense maturation to the distillery’s fruity single malt spirit, offering notes of toffee, oak and red fruits, and a beautiful, deep colour.

£64.95 / ABV: 60.5%
Available to buy from cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Distillery Products are available to buy from these Merchants:-

Cotswolds Distillery Launches “Hearts & Crafts Pineau De Charentes Cask” Single Malt Whisky!

April 23, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cotswolds Hearts and Crafts Pineau de Charentes Cask!

Cotswolds Distillery has celebrated St George’s Day by releasing today its second Heart and Crafts expression, which is a single malt whisky aged in Pineau de Charentes casks.

Pineau de Charentes is a little-known regional specialty of the Charentes Maritime region of France, sitting north of Bordeaux and encompasses the Cognac-producing region. It is made from fresh grape juice, which is blended with Cognac and left to age in oak barrels for a number of years. The sweetness of the grape juice tempers the bite of the Cognac, which combined with dry nutty notes from European oak casks makes it a great aperitif.

There are 1,600 bottles available

Cotswolds Hearts and Crafts Pineau de Charentes Cask has been aged in the white grape Pineau casks and the French oak imparts a slightly more bitter and tannic note than the American oak used by the distillery for aging their whisky.

I first started drinking Pineau on a trip to the beautiful Atlantic island of Isle de Ré, just off the cost of La Rochelle, in 1994 and I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

Hence the excitement at the idea of aging our Cotswolds single malt spirit in these casks.
– Daniel Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

The whisky has been matured for its full term in the casks, and the techniques of rejuvenation and seasoning under pressure allows the distillery to get the best out of the wine and the wood. As the woodgrain is not tight, more tannins come into the spirit.

Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement this second expression continues with a William Morris design, which is both classic and contemporary. This prolific and innovative designer was one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which was created in the late 19th century and stood for the importance of traditional craftsmanship, the same values upon which the beautiful rural distillery was built. William Morris spent much of his time in the summer in his Cotswolds home, Kelmscott Manor and the verdant green leaves featured on the label and luxury gift box are perfect for the lushness and vitality of spring and celebrate St George’s Day which is a highlight of spring festivities.

Tasting Notes:

Cotswolds Hearts and Crafts Pineau de Charentes Cask is wonderfully indulgent. The sweet notes of this golden aperitif wine are balanced by the French oak tannins. Perfect for PX sherry fans who are looking for something different.

Nose: wonderfully rich, tonka bean, marzipan and caramelised peaches

Palate: raisins, brazil nuts, toffee, fudge and dried orange peel

Finish: warm and long finish, hints of white pepper and almonds

RRP: £74.95 ABV: 55.2% for a 700ml bottle.
Available to buy exclusively from cotswoldsdistillery.com
There are 1,600 bottles available.

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4” – More Please!

April 22, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4

English whiskymaker The Lakes Distillery has announced the release of their latest single malt whisky, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4!

An evolution in the journey to define their sherry-led house style, the new whisky is an artistic exploration of maturation and blending. Supremely balanced and complex, it is a single malt whisky matured in the finest, meticulously sourced Oloroso, PX and red wine casks, comprising Spanish, American and French oak.

A single malt whisky matured in the finest, meticulously sourced Oloroso, PX and red wine casks!

At 52% ABV and bottled at natural colour, it possesses the same sherry-led, wood-forward and flavour-packed characteristics of previous releases, with a more restrained, sophisticated, and almost Moorish influence.

From the American and Spanish oak casks, big notes of Manuka honey, sun-dried dates, and roasted cashew nuts lead to layers of dried fruit, nuts and spice, with an indulgent velvet-cream finish.

One of our most complex yet approachable whiskies in the series to date, this is a well-balanced and contemplative whisky, ideal to enjoy after dinner or with good friends.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery’s whiskymaker

Available now from LakesDistillery.com – the RRP is £65 for a 70cl bottle.

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (Thanks Lakes Distillery!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4 Single Malt Whisky (52%)

Nose: Sherry in abundance! Vanilla, creamy fudge, toffee which is countered by sharp blackcurrant, rich dark chocolate and blood oranges.

Palate: Punchy with sweet sherried fruits, dark chocolate, hints of blackcurrant and orange.

Finish: All the flavours above continue along very nicely with the finish ending in dry spiciness.

Overall: Morish the Press Release says? Yes I say!

A very satisfying blending with some nice sweet, tangy, spicy flavours.

More Please!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

Cotswolds Distillery Announces Master Distiller Achievement!

March 29, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Nick Franchino: Production Director – Cotswolds Distillery

Cotswolds Distillery is delighted to announce Production Director, Nickolas Franchino, has been awarded the prestigious title of Master Distiller by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)!

The IBD Master Distiller qualification is the world’s highest level of recognition in the technical management of the distilling production process, through a combination of knowledge and experience and is the culmination of many years of learning and putting science into action.

Cotswolds Distillery produces the award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin & Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky

This is an incredible achievement and we are incredibly proud of Nick’s hard work and dedication over several years of gruelling study to achieve the pinnacle of professional distilling qualifications.
– Daniel Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

Nick has been involved with the development of The Cotswolds Distillery since its inception by Daniel Szor, whom he met at an IBD-led distilling course in Edinburgh. His interest in artisan spirits was piqued at an early age when tasting his Italian relatives’ homemade liqueurs and spirits.

I am really looking forward to continuing with my distilling journey at Cotswolds Distillery and creating new and exciting expressions.
– Nick Franchino: Production Director – Cotswolds Distillery

Cotswolds Distillery produces the award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin and Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, as well as a range of other spirits.

Cotswolds Distillery Products are available to buy from these Merchants:-

Cotswolds Dry Gin: RRP: £34.95 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 46%

Available from: waitrose.co.uk, majestic.co.uk, oddbins.com, laithwaites.co.uk, harveynichols.com and cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky: RRP: £39 for 70cl bottle. ABV 46%

Available from: selected Sainsbury’s stores, waitrose.com, majestic.co.uk, thewhiskyexchange.com, laithwaites.co.uk and cotswoldsdistillery.com

Sampling The Lakes Distillery Newest Release: “The One” Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky!

February 25, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Moscatel adds a new dimension to The Lakes Distillery’s The One whisky!

Seduced by the floral nature of Moscatel wine, The Lakes Distillery has unveiled the latest cask finished expression of The One fine blended whisky.

The One Moscatel has been finished in hand-selected Moscatel wine casks

An uplifting and fragrant whisky, The One Moscatel has been finished in hand-selected Moscatel wine casks from southern Spain. It complements a series of cask finished whiskies which demonstrate the influence oak and cask seasoning has on the flavour elevation of a singular blended whisky.

Similar in style to PX, albeit less sweet, the Moscatel wine is made with grapes from the small town of Chipiona, in the Cádiz province of Andalucía.

Benefiting from the Soleo process – sun-drying the grapes before pressing them – the resulting reduction in water and relative change in sugar level alters the viscosity, flavour and aroma of the juice, giving rise to fresh and floral characters in the cask.

With The Lakes Single Malt at its heart, the blended whisky has been expertly crafted by The Lakes’ Whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi, using select Scotch grain and malt whiskies from the Highlands, Speyside and Islay.

The influence of the Moscatel cask creates a delicate and fragrant whisky, perfect for enjoying neat or with a mixer.

… easy to drink on its own but versatile enough to enjoy in a refreshing highball or cocktail!

Using an identical recipe for each expression enables us to showcase the impact oak and cask seasoning has on the whisky’s flavour.

The floral characteristics of Moscatel, in combination with American oak, have transformed the blend into a fresh and uplifting whisky which is easy to drink on its own but versatile enough to enjoy in a refreshing highball or cocktail.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery Whiskymaker

Bottled at 46.6% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural colour, The One Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky has a recommended retail price of £48 and is available from LakesDistillery.com from 25th February 2021.

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (thanks!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The One Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

Nose: Sweet toffee with apples and appetising hints of dry sherry.

Palate: Honeyed, syrupy, cane sweetness with vanilla, toffee. Some fruitiness then starts to break through.

Finish: Clean finish with a little dryness and some pepper. Quite a long finish.

Overall: A morish whisky from The Lakes Distillery with that familiar honeyed sweetness adding to it’s qualities.

A dash of soda will go down well with this dram I think as it offsets the sweetness. But then again, why not sit back, relax and enjoy it as a ‘one-piece’? (See what I did there?!)

The One Moscatel is available now!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

Cotswolds Distillery Launches ‘Sherry Cask’ Single Malt Whisky!

October 15, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky!

Adding to their award-winning collection of English Single Malt Whiskies, The Cotswolds Distillery is delighted to announce the launch of Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky!

Their latest whisky is a marriage of Cotswolds Single Malt whiskies fully matured in American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts, seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherries. To taste, Cotswolds Sherry Cask is full of dark stone fruits with a hint of roasted almonds, followed by peppery oak spice.

Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky is non-chill filtered, with natural colouring and has an ABV of 57.4%

The distillery uses 100% locally grown barley from the Cotswolds, which is traditionally floor-malted by hand at Warminster, Britain’s oldest working malting. The barley is mashed and fermented for over 90 hours before being distilled twice in their bespoke copper pot stills. The new make spirit is smooth, complex and fruity with only the purest ‘heart’ cut taken for cask maturation

I love a sherry cask whisky as it is one of the truly iconic single malt whisky styles. Good sherry casks give rich, fruity, spicy and nutty flavours that marry perfectly with the underlying malt character and are a joy to savour.
– Nickolas Franchino: Head of Production at Cotswolds Distillery

Each yearly batch of Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky will be unique, drawn from their finest American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts, some seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry and others seasoned with Pedro Ximenez. Every batch has been sherry-aged throughout their full maturation which allows the whisky to develop a full and deeper flavour.

Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky is non-chill filtered, with natural colouring and has an ABV of 57.4%.

RRP: £64.95 for 700ml bottle. ABV: 57.4%

Available to purchase exclusively from Cotswolds Distillery: cotswoldsdistillery.com

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Brown sugar and cherry pie with a touch of roasted coffee beans.

Palate: Viscous and rich. Full of dark stone fruits and a hint of roasted almonds.

Finish: Peppery oak spice accompanied by notes of dried fruit.

About Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a premier Cotswolds attraction, offering tours and tastings. The distillery and stores in Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water receive nearly 100,0000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It has won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and was given two stars (one of one two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has expanded its UK distribution and is now available at 289 selected Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. It is the first English Whisky to be listed by Sainsbury’s.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the World Gin Awards and received the Top Gold Outstanding Award in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Introducing & Sampling The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” From The Lakes Distillery!

September 1, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions, Colheita

A diversion from their sherry-led house style, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is the first in a series of special-edition single malt whiskies from The Lakes Distillery which showcase whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi’s sense of adventure in maturation and blending.

Each unique bottling is an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free, coming together to realise one intrinsic objective: the creation of outstanding flavours.

Each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour

In exploring an alternative side of The Lakes Single Malt, the inaugural release brings Colheita Port’s influence into the frame.

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest” and in this case, is a supreme and exceptionally rare expression of aged Tawny Port made exclusively of grapes from a single vintage.

Smooth and refined, maturation in the finest, meticulously sourced Colheita Port casks has been complemented by a very small proportion of Bourbon barrels to enhance and contrast certain flavour characteristics.

The Whiskymaker’s Editions is an intentional deviation from our house style, created to showcase a different personality of The Lakes Single Malt.

This particular expression has been designed to be a little more fun, fruity and easy to drink and, as a limited-edition, is perfect for anyone who appreciates The Lakes’ house style but wants to experience and explore the other side of The Lakes Single Malt.

My role as a whiskymaker is to unlock the infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities throughout the liquid’s journey through the distillery and, in the future, more Editions will follow.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes whiskymaker

At 52% ABV and with a recommended retail price of £65, each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and available from LakesDistillery.com

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (thanks!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)

Colour: Light sherry with a dash of porty redness in there!

Nose: Immediate porty flavours with some apple & orange. The port becomes sweeter with time and there’s hints of wood polish.

Palate: Creamy, stewed fruits with an almost Christmasy feel to it with some light port flavours.

Finish: Warming finish that’s punchy and spicy but not too brutal – very smooth indeed!

Overall: A lovely, smooth dram that belies it’s 52% strength. It’s not overpowering so can be easily drunk neat.

I still think that there are strong hints of their familiar sherry-led house style but it’s not a criticism – I like their sherry-led house style!

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest”

Many thanks to Lakes Distillery (@LakesWhisky) for sending me such a fantastic sample!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

Sampling Cotswolds Distillery New ‘Reserve Single Malt Whisky’ – Most Approachable!

Tasting Notes – Cotswolds Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky (50%)

The Cotswolds Distillery

Sampling Lakes Distillery “Bal Masque” – A Whiskymaker’s Edition With A Lot To Uncover!

Tasting Notes: Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque” (54%)

About Lakes Distillery

Introducing The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

About Lakes Distillery

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Wins Best Whisk(e)y In Show at American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT) Awards!

Cotswolds Distillery Launches “Hearts & Crafts Pineau De Charentes Cask” Single Malt Whisky!

Tasting Notes:

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4” – More Please!

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4 Single Malt Whisky (52%)

About Lakes Distillery

Cotswolds Distillery Announces Master Distiller Achievement!

Sampling The Lakes Distillery Newest Release: “The One” Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky!

Tasting Notes – The One Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

About Lakes Distillery

Cotswolds Distillery Launches ‘Sherry Cask’ Single Malt Whisky!

Tasting Notes:

About Cotswolds Distillery

Introducing & Sampling The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” From The Lakes Distillery!

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)

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Tasting Notes – Cotswolds Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky (50%)

The Cotswolds Distillery

Tasting Notes: Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque” (54%)

About Lakes Distillery

About Lakes Distillery

Tasting Notes:

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4 Single Malt Whisky (52%)

About Lakes Distillery

Tasting Notes – The One Moscatel Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

About Lakes Distillery

Tasting Notes:

About Cotswolds Distillery

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)

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