This whisky is the latest limited edition from the English distillery of Cotswolds. The Cotswolds Madeira Single Cask is a single malt that represents the inaugural release into their new Single Cask Series that is planned for 2022. The whisky was made using locally grown and malted barley. It was filled to a single French oak cask (Cask #621) that had previously held Madeira, a fortified wine from the Portuguese island, in April 2016. It was bottled in February 2022 at the natural cask strength of 59.5% ABV, and is both non chill-filtered and of natural colour. The Cotswold Madeira Single Cask is a distillery exclusive - it is only available from the distillery shop or Cotswolds website. A bottle will cost £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 the local maltsters in nearby Warminster. Whisky and gin are produced, along with a range of liqueurs. The distillery run tours daily and also have a shop, cafe and tasting room on site.
Our tasting notes
The colour is a bright peachy gold and the nose is vibrant, uplifting and fresh. Aromas of fresh tropical fruit (especially pineapple and ripe mango) rise first and are quickly joined by juicy sultanas and floral honey. There are also hints of biscuity cereals, fresh grass and zesty orange oil underneath. A pinch of cocoa and green walnuts add further interest.
On the palate this whisky is equally as fresh and vibrant. It feels lively and peppery from the high ABV. As this settles delicious notes of orange zest and juicy sultanas rise first. These are backed up by a suggestion of milk chocolate and increasingly bold cereals. These add grip and depth. Then come the tropical notes from the nose - think of pineapple and mango again, plus peach and ripe figs. The fruity characteristics are accentuated with further notes of floral honey and butterscotch sauce. Woody spices add warmth, along with a hint of gingerbread.
The high ABV and profile suggests adding a little water. This allows more cereal aromas through on the nose and these shine alongside the tropical fruits. The palate is softer and way less peppery. The tropical and other fruits hold their own, and some vanilla notes are now allowed through - think of good quality vanilla custard or ice cream. It also somehow does not lose its freshness, which can happen when diluted.
What's the verdict?
We have sampled a number of fine single malts from Cotswolds now, but this one seems to go in a very different direction. The expressive ex-Madeira cask has worked some magic and created a vibrant, juicy and delicious whisky. The fresh citrus-like and tropical fruitiness is fabulous.
However, the alcohol is a bit aggressive and hot at full strength and this is a whisky that benefits from a dribble of water. This allows some previously hidden notes to shine. Is it our favourite Cotswolds release to date? Probably not, but it is certainly a very interesting whisky.
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