Cotswolds
Cotswolds Distillery is an English craft distillery based in the village of Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire, at the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded by former hedge fund analyst Daniel Szor, the distillery began operations in 2014 and released its first single malt whisky in 2017, making it one of the pioneers of the modern English whisky movement.
The distillery is known for producing single malt whisky as well as a range of gins, most notably the Cotswolds Dry Gin. It emphasizes locally sourced ingredients where possible and a hands-on, traditional approach to production, appealing to those interested in regional English spirits with a strong sense of place.
Cotswolds Distillery is an English craft distillery based in the village of Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire, at the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Cotswolds Distillery is an English craft distillery based in the village of Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire, at the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded by former hedge fund analyst Daniel Szor, the distillery began operations in 2014 and released its first single malt whisky in 2017, making it one of the pioneers of the modern English whisky movement.
The distillery is known for producing single malt whisky as well as a range of gins, most notably the Cotswolds Dry Gin. It emphasizes locally sourced ingredients where possible and a hands-on, traditional approach to production, appealing to those interested in regional English spirits with a strong sense of place.
History and Origins
Cotswolds Distillery was established by Daniel Szor, an American-born entrepreneur who settled in the Cotswolds and set out to create the region's first full-scale distillery. Construction and setup took place around 2013 to 2014, with the distillery formally beginning production in 2014.
The distillery grew from a passion for whisky and a desire to make spirits reflecting the surrounding agricultural landscape. Its first single malt whisky was released in 2017, following the standard maturation period required for it to be legally labeled as whisky in the UK.
Since its founding, Cotswolds Distillery has become a recognizable name in English craft spirits, welcoming visitors for tours and expanding its product portfolio beyond its original core offerings.
Production and House Style
Cotswolds Distillery focuses on quality and provenance, using locally grown barley for its single malt whisky where possible. The whisky is typically produced using traditional pot still methods and matured in oak casks, contributing to a rich and approachable style.
For its gin, the distillery uses a botanical recipe built around classic and distinctive elements. The Cotswolds Dry Gin is known for its prominent citrus and lavender character, reflecting botanicals associated with the local landscape.
The house style across the range tends to emphasize approachability, freshness, and a connection to the surrounding countryside, making the spirits accessible to newcomers while offering interest for enthusiasts.
The Range and What to Expect
The core of the Cotswolds range includes its single malt whisky and its signature Cotswolds Dry Gin. Over time the distillery has introduced additional expressions and variations, including different whisky cask finishes and flavored or seasonal gin releases.
When buying, expect the single malt to be positioned as a premium English whisky, while the gin offers a versatile everyday option that works well in classic cocktails and gin and tonics.
Availability of specific expressions can vary, so it is worth checking current listings for the exact bottlings in stock, as craft distilleries frequently rotate limited and seasonal releases.