First Impressions
Cotswolds Founder's Choice arrives as a deeply-coloured, cask-strength expression that immediately announces itself as something more serious than the standard Signature bottling. Bottled at 60.5% ABV, non-chill-filtered and natural colour, it is Daniel Szor's personal pick.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 2014 in the village of Stourton near Shipston-on-Stour, Cotswolds Distillery was the first whisky distillery in the region. Founder Daniel Szor, a former New York currency trader, uses 100% locally-grown floor-malted barley and an unusually long 90+ hour fermentation, producing a famously fruity new-make. Founder's Choice marries first-fill ex-Bourbon casks with STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) red wine casks championed by the late consultant Dr Jim Swan.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The STR casks dominate with red fruit and confected sweetness, but the underlying spirit's oily, malty core holds firm. Water tames the heat and reveals more orchard fruit and barley sugar.
Verdict
One of the best young English single malts on the market and proof that the Cotswolds spirit has serious legs.
