Cotswolds Distillery: Exciting Times
This weekend I had the good fortune to visit the beautiful village of Bourton‑on‑the‑Water in the stunning Cotswolds. It’s a place that feels almost painted into existence — the River Windrush winding through the centre, honey‑coloured stone buildings lining the streets, and a bustle of pubs, cafés, and (somewhat surprisingly for February) ice‑cream shops.
Among all that charm, one place immediately caught my eye: the Cotswolds Whisky Shop, a small but perfectly formed outpost of the nearby Cotswolds Distillery. I first tried their Signature expression years ago in the Mousetrap Inn just down the road, and since then I’ve sampled a few more of their releases — one of which still sits unopened in my DramShed, waiting for the right moment.
So naturally, I was keen to see what they’re producing these days, and more importantly, how close they are to releasing age‑statement whisky.
The gentleman behind the counter — clearly someone who knows the expressions / production well — filled me in. In late 2025, the distillery released its first age‑statement whisky, albeit in a very limited run. A milestone moment for them.
Browsing the shelves, I spotted a selection of small sample bottles—each one showcasing an interesting cask finish. And, given that I’m firmly in a sherry phase at the moment, the 9‑year‑old Pedro Ximénez (PX) cask immediately caught my attention.
With time short, I managed to taste just two expressions, but afterwards my brother‑in‑law presented me with a bottle of the PX as a gift. A very welcome surprise. So let’s get into this.
A comparison of three whiskies, using the DramShed Taste Profile
The Wychwood was the standout for me — so much so that I went back later to buy a bottle, only to find the shop closed for lunch. Gutted!
Every time I taste Cotswolds whisky, I’m reminded just how good it is. I am genuinely excited to see how their range evolves as their expressions mature. Here’s to many more drams from this brilliant little producer.