To continue my Cotswolds series, I have a sample of their Reserve that was bottled at 63.5% ABV. The nose is bold and rich starting with powdered sugar dusted strawberries, caramelized mangos, and vanilla pound cake then blond roast espresso, honeysuckle and toasted almonds followed by raspberry coulis, dehydrated apricots and lemon lime candy that transitions to light baking spices and mild toasted oak with high ethanol burn. The taste is a medium to full mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits, strawberries pie and vanilla pound cake then a mild spice that slowly fades to blond roast espresso, honeycomb and dark chocolate covered toasted almonds followed by raspberry jam, dehydrated apricots and lemon lime candy that transitions to baking spices, black pepper and mild toasted oak with high ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with freeze dried raspberries, apricots, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, blonde espresso, black pepper, light baking spices and toasted oak. This is a bigger and bolder version of their lower proof single malt that the flavors flow in the same trajectory with creamy citrus, light red berries and light earthiness that the higher proof has helped intensify those flavors, but has also added a moderate spice to the palate and finish. I’m normally a fan of anything bottled at a higher proof, but for this one, I think I actually prefer the softer and subtler 46% ABV version that has less spice and works better for my palate.