Cotswolds Founder's Choice

a good cask strength, nothing special about it. Wish there was more depth.

Man kind of blown away this is such a young spirit. The nose is incredible, some butter scotch, fruit and floral notes without being too sweet. Palette is similar, with a noticeable spicy sizzle at the end. Having trouble determining if that sizzle is caused by the high abv or the barrel, though. Holds its proof well, barely feels like a 60%!

Continuing my Cotswolds series, I have a sample of their Founder’s Choice that was bottled at 60.1% ABV. The nose is bold and rich starting with powdered sugar dusted strawberries, caramelized mangos, and leather then blond roast espresso, pipe tobacco and toasted coconut followed by raspberry pie, dehydrated apricots and grilled pineapple rings that transitions to baking spices and polished cedar furniture with high ethanol burn. The taste is a dense and oily mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits, sautéed strawberries and leather then a spicy blonde roast mocha, freshly lit pipe tobacco and coconut macaroon followed by freeze dried raspberries, apricots and lemon lime candy that transitions to baking spices, black pepper and polished cedar furniture with high ethanol burn. The finish is long with raspberry pie, dehydrated apricots, creamy tropical fruits, honeysuckle, spicy blonde roast mocha, black pepper, baking spices and polished cedar furniture. This is simply wonderful that the higher proof has intensified those typical Cotswolds flavors while avoiding the high spice that I found on their Reserve and drinks far older than I expected with some polished oak notes. At 60.1%, the proof is evident throughout the experience and I wouldn't advise this to anyone that isn't used to drinking higher proof spirits as it might be too hot, but for anyone that's beat their palate down and acclimated to those higher proof drams, this would likely be a fantastic one to buy a dram or bottle of. At the price of around $80+, I think this is an absolute bargain in today's market that can compete with some of the best spirits out there without needing to break the bank account.

Intense fruitiness, apricots and strawberry mostly. Exceptionally smooth for high cask strength whisky.

I really like all of the cotswold whiskey