English producer Cotswolds Distillery has created a new single malt whisky, Highgrove Evergreen, using barley sourced from King Charles III’s Highgrove Estate. The permanent range expression, which launches on 4 December, is matured in Bourbon and STR red wine casks, with profits supporting The King’s Foundation.
The new release is designed to celebrate the nature and craftsmanship of English whisky making.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Highgrove Evergreen was crafted with a focus on provenance and sustainability.
It is distilled at the Cotswolds Distillery using Plumage Archer barley, a traditional heritage variety grown on the Highgrove Estate.
Highgrove is a royal residence in the Cotswolds that serves as the family home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The estate has been the property of The Duchy of Cornwall since 1980. King Charles III was the Duke of Cornwall from 1952 until his accession to the throne in September 2022. Although the estate now technically belongs to his son, William, the King continues to use Highgrove as a private retreat.
Cotswolds Distillery is located just over an hour northeast of Highgrove, with the use of the Plumage Archer barley solidifying the distillery’s reputation for using local ingredients.
Must Read Stories
The whisky is matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon casks and STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) red wine casks, and bottled at 46% ABV.
Official notes from the brand describe flavors of orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and warm spices, complemented by a subtle sweetness from red berries imparted by the wine casks.
The product’s presentation reinforces the royal connection. Its gift box features an illustration painted by King Charles III, titled A View from the Wildflower Meadow. The artwork is a reproduction of a 1995 watercolor created by His Majesty when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, depicting the royal residence, Highgrove House.
Daniel Szor is the founder of Cotswolds Distillery and the 378th Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. As reported by The Spirits Business, Szor said: “When I first purchased Plumage Archer barley from the Highgrove Estate many years ago, I could never have imagined it would grow into a collaboration of this scale. To now craft a whisky that reflects our shared commitment to craftsmanship, provenance, and respect for the land is a genuine honor.”
He continued: “Highgrove Evergreen marks a remarkable milestone for our distillery and for the continued evolution of the English whisky category.”
Highgrove Evergreen English Whisky is priced at £100 and joins the distillery’s permanent portfolio.
Pre-orders are now available on the Cotswolds Distillery and Highgrove Gardens websites, with the official launch set for December 4.
