Cotswolds Single Malt

Easy drinker … like the finish … like it for the price

On the nose, fresh citrus and grain, like porridge. On the palate, more cereal and then a nice sweet vanilla finish. Very nice. Would happily buy again.

To start off my Cotswolds series, I have a sample of their 2014 Odyssey Barley that was bottled at 46% ABV. The nose is light and subtle but with time the notes emerge starting with powdered sugar dusted strawberries, caramelized peaches, and Angel food cake then blond roast espresso, honeycomb and toasted almonds followed by raspberry coulis, dehydrated apricots and lemon zest that transitions to light baking spices and mild toasted oak with low ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits, powdered sugar dusted strawberries and Angel food cake then blond roast espresso, honeysuckle and chocolate covered toasted almonds followed by raspberry jam, dehydrated apricots and lemon zest that transitions to light baking spices, black pepper and mild toasted oak with low ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with dehydrated raspberries, pineapple, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, blonde espresso, light baking spices and toasted oak. I really like what Cotswolds has put together with this soft, subtle and incredibly well balanced dram that combines creamy citrus with light red berries and light earthiness that I think most would really enjoy and is reasonably priced at around $60+.

Cinnamon, ginger and butterscotch on the nose. A bing cherries and cake on the palate. The finish is a bit sour, peppery and lingers. Adding a splash of water brings out more of the cherries. …the next day, this whiskey shines much better and in a tumbler glass instead of a glencairn. Its richer and has lots of warming spice flavors.