Review - Cotswolds Sherry Cask

The Cotswold distillery has released its latest English single malt to its award-winning range - the Cotswolds Sherry Cask. This new whisky features spirit matured in both American oak and European oak casks that have been seasoned with either dry Oloroso or sweet Pedro Ximenez sherry. The casks are a mix of hogsheads and butts, and this is the first of what is planned to be an annual release. The Cotswolds Sherry Cask is bottled at the natural cask strength of 57.4% ABV and is non chill-filtered and of natural colour. It is available to purchase via the distillery shop, selected specialist retailers or via their website www.cotswoldsdistillery.com. A bottle will cost £64.95.

The Cotswolds distillery is located in the village of Stourton and was founded in 2014 by Daniel Szor. The company ethos is to only use barley grown on Cotswold farms and filtered water from the village supply. This barley is then malted on a traditional malt floor at a local maltsters in the nearby town of Warminster. Whisky and gin (which have both gone on to gain many accolades) are produced, along with a range of liqueurs. The distillery run tours daily and cost £15 per person, although these are currently suspended due to Covid-19 lockdown in England. They also have a shop and tasting room on site.

Our tasting notes

The colour is deep gold and the nose is rich and nutty. Aromas of almond, hazelnut and walnut hit first with sweet golden syrup, honey and a hint of black treacle coming through with time. These are joined by further aromas of raisin, bitter orange peel and caramel popcorn, plus a pinch of cinnamon and white pepper.

On the palate this whisky is immediately rich and sweet with lovely notes of juicy dried fruits leaping out - think of sultanas in particular, plus some raisins and candied orange. Then comes a delicious sweetness in the form of heather honey, golden syrup and caramel with developing notes of treacle and molasses in the background. The distinct nuttiness from the nose is also never far away and is most reminiscent of walnut. It adds a creamy quality but also a slight bitterness. This is accentuated by an underlying malty note. The final layer is provided by warming spices - imagine baking spices such as cinnamon and all-spice in particular.

The finish is a touch on the short side, but this can sometimes happen with younger whiskies. The high ABV drives it on longer but leaves just the peppery heat, especially once the dried fruit and sweet characteristics have gone. 

What's the verdict?

This is another fine single malt from the Cotswolds distillery and one that is surely destined to collect awards just like other releases have. The spirit is clearly impressive and the ex-sherry casks carefully selected. The two styles of ex-sherry cask have then been skillfully combined to create this lovely new offering. The Cotswolds Sherry Cask is full of sumptuous aromas and flavours that develop well with time in the glass and on the palate. Well worth searching out and trying.