SCOTLAND is synonymous the world over for producing whisky, England rather less so.
But a distillery tucked away in the south Warwickshire countryside is proving quality whisky can be produced south of Hadrian’s Wall.
Cotswolds Distillery, located in the village of Stourton near Shipston, has just scoped three awards at the English Whisky Awards.
Its Signature Single Malt Whisky was named Best English Whisky and The Best Value English Whisky, while the Cotswolds Distillery was also named the Best Whisky Distillery.
The English Whisky Awards are community led and independent and are designed to celebrate the rapid growth and high quality of whisky production in England. Created by whisky enthusiasts for whisky enthusiasts they aim to shine a spotlight on the innovation, craftsmanship and passion that is driving English whisky to new heights.
Founded in 2014 by Daniel Szor, the Cotswolds Distillery was among the early producers of the modern English whisky revival and has since gained international recognition through industry awards and specialist retail distribution.
Dan said: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a world-class English single malt with exceptional flavour and character, while still offering outstanding value for money. These awards are a tribute to the passion and craftsmanship of our distillery team, and to our belief that great whisky should be accessible, approachable and enjoyed widely.”
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky was launched in 2017 and is the first whisky ever to be distilled in the Cotswolds.
Crafted using the finest locally grown Cotswolds barley and matured in a combination of highly active STR (shaved, toasted and re-charred) ex-red wine casks and bourbon barrels, the single malt is described as rich, fruity and sippable with notes of honey, Seville honey and dark red fruits.
The distillery also has a strong commitment to sustainability and in 2024 unveiled its new bio-diverse Wetlands Ecological Treatment System on its distillery site. The system naturally processes the wastewater from the distillery’s whisky making.
As well as creating a bio-diverse habitat and a haven for local wildlife, it cuts water by tens of thousands of litres per week, reducing the amount of commercial tanker traffic on the local roads.
And it helped see the distillery recognised for its positive environmental footprint earlier this year when it was awarded Highly Commended – Sustainable Distillery at the World Whiskies Awards.
The distillery, which also produces specialist gins, also offers tours and tastings.
Visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com for further details.
