Cotswolds Peated Cask

The second drink of the evening from this distillery, and reportedly their best. This is a peated cask expression, not made from peated barley. The distillery's new make, crafted from local barley, is matured in casks that previously held peated whisky from Islay. This method of adding peat can be inconsistent, so I approached this pour with some hesitation, especially given the substantial 60.2% ABV... Nose: Incredible. I can't emphasize enough how delicate this aroma is. Creamy, nutty, phenolic, and spiced notes are present equally. Yet, it's all very subtle, easily muted. There's a creamy, honeyed, and vanilla element alongside white fruit and perhaps banana. The peat is just enough to harmonize the juicy, savory fruits and the gently tannic, nutty spice. Simply wonderful. Palate: Gentle, controlled, yet purposeful. The influence of the peated cask is immediately noticeable as charred fruitiness and a briny creosote character, reminiscent of old ship timbers on a pebble beach. Following the peat and smoke, a creamier profile emerges, delivering honey, white peaches, rich oak, and warm tannins. It's like honey spread on buttered bread. Finish: Medium-long. Reminiscent of melting ice cream, ashy embers, stony minerality, and a slightly bright, honeyed sweetness. Amazing. What a delight. This isn't typical peated whisky; it's a different way peat can be presented. The whisky's character isn't overwhelmed by the cask's influence, and the unpeated malt's character doesn't just contribute, it excels. If I spot this available, I'm definitely buying it. Distillery whisky taste #286 [Pictured here with a beautiful piece of the Cotswolds region. The area is characterized by Jurassic limestone bedrock, quarried for its golden stone. The highest point, Cleeve Hill, is a modest 330 meters high. This specific piece is a Pisolite from Cleeve Hill. As you know, a pisolite is a rock composed of pisoids; layered calcite concretions. When pisoids exceed 2 mm in size, they are large ooids. Forming such large, rounded calcite grains requires high evaporation rates relative to rainfall or terrestrial water input; envisioning England under such conditions is challenging!] Cotswolds running scores: Single malt: 4/5 Sherry cask strength: 3/5 Peated cask strength: 4.25/5

Continuing my exploration of Cotswolds expressions, I'm sampling their single malt, which was matured in quarter casks previously used for peated whisky and bottled at 59.6% ABV. The nose initially presents a blend of grilled octopus, plantain chips, mango sorbet, and vanilla crème brûlée, followed by tangy barbecue-slathered smoked shrimp, subtle seaside rocky minerality, and dark chocolate-covered espresso beans. This then transitions to sautéed apples, lemon zest, and charred pineapple rings, culminating in light baking spices and polished oak with a moderate ethanol presence. The taste has a medium mouthfeel, beginning with creamy tropical fruits, then shifting to grilled octopus, bananas Foster, fresh mango slices, and vanilla seeds. This is followed by Cajun-spiced smoked shrimp, mild seaside rocky minerality, and dark chocolate-covered espresso beans, then sautéed apples, candied lemon peel, and charred pineapple rings. It concludes with light baking spices and a slightly bitter black tea, with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, featuring caramelized mangoes, papaya, honeycomb, grilled octopus, black pepper, light baking spices, and a mildly bitter black tea. This is an impressive dram, where the peated quarter casks impart a subtle smokiness and light grilled seafood notes that harmonize with the Cotswolds' tropical fruit character, mild seaside rocky minerality, and earthy spices, creating a beautifully balanced composition. A slight bitterness is present on the palate and finish. Given its price point of around $80+, this is a remarkable dram and an excellent value from Cotswolds, making it a fine addition for any peat enthusiast.

Sydney Whisky Show May 20th 2023. Whisky #7 Nose: Tropical fruit, honey, vanilla, and very subtle, aromatic peat. The peat is so delicate it's like a wisp of smoke. It becomes more noticeable over time, especially after a sip, but never reaches overwhelming levels. It's elegant and understated. Palate: Immediately smoky upon arrival, far more than the nose suggested. Honey, pineapple, mango, vanilla ice cream, cooked apples, and glazed orange slices form a base for grilled lobster and oysters Kilpatrick. The texture is creamy and smooth. Finish: Medium. All the palate flavors blend into a gentle, harmonious profile that leaves a sweet lingering taste. Delightful. An impressive whiskey that I've wanted to try for a while and it certainly meets its reputation. The peat influence (entirely from maturation in ex-peat Islay octave casks) is flawless. This isn't a forceful, aggressive blast of peat smoke, but a fleeting touch, and I'm completely charmed. Wonderfully balanced, and while the price has risen recently, it remains a good value compared to typical peated competitors. Recommended, and I've just ordered a bottle. “Very Good”: 86/100 (4 stars)

Drammers club pour. Very good, takes that fruity Cotswolds with a little added peat that isn't overpowering. Nose: Honey, Vanilla, Cherry, Caramel, Peat, Smoke, Coal, Tar, Dark Chocolate, Peach, Pepper, Orange, Flowers, Citrus, Pineapples, Apricots, Cotton Candy, Seasalt, saltwater Palate: Orange, Mango, Pineapple, Peat, Smoke, Vanilla, Cherry, peach, Apricot, Citrus, Salmon Finish: vanilla, Orange, toffee, smoke, coal, salt, honey, caramel

I've had a couple of releases from this distillery and found them very enjoyable. While the whisky is young, that's not an issue, and they excel at many aspects. My bottle, purchased in Shinonoya, Tokyo in July 2021, is another excellent addition to their lineup. The peat is delicate and enhances the typical Cotswolds characteristics—cereal, fruit, and herbal notes—beautifully. It is also surprisingly smooth despite being bottled at 60.2% ABV.

Truly excellent. The fruit flavors typical of their main single malt are significantly enhanced by the higher proof and beautifully complemented by a mild peat from previous use of the quarter casks. Despite its strength and youth, it goes down neat as smoothly as honey. An exceptional accomplishment.