Cotswolds Distillery Unveils Its First Peated Single Malt Whisky

The Cotswolds Distillery, located in England, first came to market in late 2017 with a young English single malt whisky made from grains local to the distillery. We reviewed this whisky early last year, finding it to be a solid expression for such a young age. Now, in what is a logical expansion of its portfolio, Cotswolds has unveiled a peated cask offering.

The new Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky Peated Cask, according to those behind it, is said to be the first ever whisky matured in peated barrels in the Cotswolds. More specifically this bottling is first made using un-peated local barley which is mashed and fermented before being distilled in bespoke copper pots. It is then aged in ex-peated quarter casks from Scotland, creating “a balanced rich and fruity flavour with subtle notes of peat smoke.”

“The subtle notes of smoke and peat which these wonderful Islay casks impart to our Cotswolds Single Malt complement the fruity notes of our spirit without overwhelming it,” said Dan Szor, founder and CEO of the Cotswolds, in a prepared statement. “The result is an eminently drinkable and very moreish dram, even at cask strength.

“What started as an experiment now becomes the newest addition to our growing core range of Single Malt Whiskies.”

Consisting of 2,950 bottles per batch, the peated whisky is bottled at cask strength (59.3% ABV) with no added coloring. It prices around £65, or close to $85 USD. You’ll find limited official tasting notes below for your consideration.

• Nose: Vanilla with light charring and a touch of dried fruits and spice.
• Palate: Creamy peat smoke layered with light fruits and tannin-rich wood.
• Finish: Lasting finish of smoking embers, floral honey and woody sugars.