Cotswolds Founders Choice Single Malt English Whisky 60,5%

These are the distillery founder Dan's own favourite casks, gathered into one bottle at full cask strength — dark, fruity, with no filter between you and the spirit.

Expert's Description

Cotswolds Founder's Choice is a single malt English whisky bottled at cask strength, 60.5% ABV.

The whisky was Cotswolds Distillery's very first cask strength release and is made entirely from the distillery's own spirit, matured in STR-treated (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) ex-red wine casks of American oak. The casks were personally selected by the distillery's founder Dan, whose name the release carries, because they lend his fruity new make spirit an intense and active maturation.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dry and woody, with dark chocolate, dried figs, plums and a sweetness of syrup.

Palate

Fruity, with toffee, dark chocolate, dried figs and oak, underpinned by red berries.

Finish

Long and lingering, with chocolate and ripe red fruit staying on for a good while.

Specifications

Name: Cotswolds Founder's Choice Single Malt English Whisky
Distillery: Cotswolds Distillery
Region/Country: England
Type: Single Malt English Whisky
ABV: 60.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: STR ex-red wine casks of American oak

Flavour Profile

Dark chocolate · Dried figs · Toffee · Red berries

Did You Know?

Founder's Choice was Cotswolds Distillery's very first cask strength release, making it a landmark for how the distillery's spirit behaves with no water added at all.

Browse our full range of Cotswolds Distillery

Frequently Asked Questions about Cotswolds Founder's Choice Single Malt English Whisky

What does cask strength mean?

It means the whisky is bottled straight from the cask without being reduced to a lower strength, giving a more intense, cask-driven character at 60.5%.

Why is the whisky called Founder's Choice?

Because the casks for this release were personally selected by Cotswolds Distillery's founder Dan among the distillery's STR-treated red wine casks.

What are STR casks?

STR stands for Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred — a method where used red wine casks are shaved, toasted and re-charred so the oak gives a more active, intense maturation.

Should the whisky be diluted with water?

It comes down to preference — some like a drop of water to open up the aromas, while others enjoy the full strength in a Glencairn glass.

Is this the distillery's first cask strength release?

Yes, Founder's Choice was Cotswolds Distillery's very first release at full cask strength.

Does this whisky make a good gift?

Yes, the high strength and intense notes of chocolate and red fruit make it a natural choice for anyone wanting a powerful, authentic expression from a younger English distillery.

Where can I find more English whiskies?

Under the category English whisky you will find more releases from Cotswolds and other English distilleries.