Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt

To continue my exploration of Cotswolds products, I'm sampling their Reserve, bottled at 63.5% ABV. The aroma is robust and rich, beginning with powdered sugar-dusted strawberries, caramelized mangos, and vanilla pound cake, followed by blond roast espresso, honeysuckle, and toasted almonds. It then moves to raspberry coulis, dehydrated apricots, and lemon-lime candy, transitioning into light baking spices and mild toasted oak, with a strong ethanol presence. The taste presents a medium to full mouthfeel, starting with creamy tropical fruits, strawberry pie, and vanilla pound cake. A mild spice follows, slowly giving way to blond roast espresso, honeycomb, and dark chocolate-covered toasted almonds. Subsequently, raspberry jam, dehydrated apricots, and lemon-lime candy emerge, leading to baking spices, black pepper, and mild toasted oak, with a significant ethanol burn. The finish is of medium length, featuring freeze-dried raspberries, apricots, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, blonde espresso, black pepper, light baking spices, and toasted oak. This is a more substantial and intense version of their lower-proof single malt. The flavors follow a similar progression, with creamy citrus, light red berries, and subtle earthiness. The higher proof has amplified these flavors while also introducing a moderate spice to the palate and finish. While I generally appreciate higher proof bottlings, for this particular spirit, I find myself preferring the milder and more delicate 46% ABV version, which has less spice and suits my palate better.

Nose: Subtle, with hints of caramel, coconut, and honey. Palate: Slightly malty and sweet cereal. Lacks depth? Finish: Long and warming, with some developing woody notes.

A lot of alcohol taste