Cotswolds Peated Cask is an English single malt whisky from the Cotswolds Distillery, matured in quarter casks that once held peated Islay whisky and bottled at cask strength, here 59.6% ABV for batch 1600.
The distillery makes its spirit from locally grown barley that is not dried over peat smoke, so the base spirit is unpeated. Its smoke comes entirely from the 125-litre quarter casks, which previously held peated Islay whisky. Founder Daniel Szor has said the expression began as an experiment and is now released annually in batches.
It is non-chill filtered and of natural colour, with creamy peat smoke layered over light fruit and tannin-rich wood.
A distinctive English take on smoky whisky, it makes a fine gift for peat lovers.
Sip it neat, then add a few drops of water.
English whisky is a young and fast-growing category, and the Cotswolds Distillery is one of its best-known producers. Like Scotch single malt, English single malt is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery.
Quarter casks hold about 125 litres, roughly half the size of a standard barrel, so more of the whisky is in contact with the wood. That speeds up maturation and draws out more of the smoke left behind by the previous peated whisky.
Bottled at cask strength, it rewards experimentation with water: start neat to feel the full power, then add a few drops to soften the smoke and bring the fruit forward.
Tasting Notes
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Smoke: Creamy peat smoke from ex-Islay casks.
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Fruit: Light orchard fruit.
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Wood: Tannin-rich oak.
Specifications
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Producer: Cotswolds Distillery
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Style: English Single Malt Whisky, Cask Strength
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Expression / Batch: Peated Cask, Batch 1600
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Proof / ABV: 119.2 proof (59.6% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: 125-litre quarter casks that held peated Islay whisky
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Region: Cotswolds, England
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, then with a few drops of water. It pairs with smoked fish, blue cheese or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the barley peated?
No; the smoke comes from casks that held peated Islay whisky.
What strength is it?
Cask strength, 59.6% for this batch.
Is it chill filtered?
No, it is non-chill filtered and natural colour.
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