Cotswolds Distillery

History

With almost ten years under its belt, Cotswolds Distillery stands as an award-winning producer of whisky and gin. We are based in the Cotswolds, an area designated as a scenic landscape, and our history is told through a founder named Dan and a passion for craftsmanship. The company emphasizes doing things properly using traditional methods and equipment, combined with a fresh approach and attention to detail. They highlight locally sourced ingredients and collaborate with local producers to support the local community. In the production process, 100% locally grown barley is used for the whiskies, and the malt is traditionally floor-malted at Warminster Maltings. Fermentation plays a central role with two yeast strains (Anchor and Fermentis) to achieve fruity notes, and the whisky is aged in casks such as STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred) and first-fill ex-Bourbon casks to achieve complexity and character.

Production / Manufacturing

The whisky begins with 100% locally grown barley, malted at Warminster and fermented in stainless steel vessels. The yeast strains Anchor and Fermentis create fruity esters during a longer fermentation. After double distillation, cut points are matched to capture fruity esters, and the new spirit is moved to casks where it matures and develops character. They do not chill-filter and use natural coloring.

Gin is also produced in-house with a neutral wheat-based spirit at 96% ABV, distilled in the copper still Dolly and diluted to 46% ABV after a resting period of 5 days. Their approach preserves oils and esters by not applying chill filtration, resulting in a rich and full mouthfeel.

Products / Whisky Range

• Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky – classic single malt, matured primarily in STR-ex-red wine casks and first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, non-chill-filtered and with natural coloring; notes of honey and red fruits.

• Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky – cask strength expression matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks; sweet and malty profile with vanilla and honey; non-chill filtered.

• Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky – matured in American and Spanish casks with sherry, packed with dried fruits, chocolate and spices; non-chill filtered.

• Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky – matured in ex-peated quarter casks from Islay; subtle smoky notes with vanilla and fruit; cask strength offering.

• Founder's Choice Single Malt Whisky – cask strength (59.1–60.5% ABV); matured in STR-ex-red wine and first-fill ex-Bourbon casks; deep fruity profile with notes of toffee and chocolate.

Visits / Experiences

They offer distillery experiences and Tours & Tastings as well as Blending Masterclasses in gin or whisky. There are digital gift cards and shops where you can buy the products directly. Their Still House Café is located by the distillery, and there are three shops in Stourton, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway.

Philosophy

They believe in doing things properly – tradition and craft combined with a fresh approach and a focus on detail and quality. They work closely with local producers and use local ingredients where possible to reflect the scenic Cotswolds and support the local community. They run Caring for the Cotswolds and preserve the landscape through initiatives and partnerships.