Well after @LondonRedRaider has spent the last year or two talking to me about Cotswolds but never giving me a sample, I was finally able to get a bottle.
For the tldr: it’s really good, which I didn’t expect since I was planning on being disappointed since it’s a scotch style whisky
Most know I don’t care for scotch or single malts and stick to bourbon and rye because they’re the best. Of the two Cotswolds available, I went with founders reserve because it’s cask strength and cutting is for hair not whiskey.
So at 120ish proof, I was intrigued. I know it’s a younger whisky, which concerned me but the color is impressive even knowing it was aged in red wine oak barrels.
Nose: that typically earthy scotch smell with some red wine. Not my llano sweet red but a drier red. Thank g-d none of that terrible campfire peat.
Palate: It’s a little light at first, then the sweetness from the wine barrel kicks in. Not that typical vanilla, caramel, molasses sweetness from bourbon but a malty wine sweetness which makes sense. You can tell it’s cask strength but it’s an easy drinker which can be dangerous.
Finish: What surprised me was the the finish as it has a good spice that lasts like you see from a rye whiskey. The type that makes you want another sip to keep it going
Not that my opinion matters, but this is well worth the $60 especially if you like bourbon and want a break from chasing bottles.
For the tldr: it’s really good, which I didn’t expect since I was planning on being disappointed since it’s a scotch style whisky
Most know I don’t care for scotch or single malts and stick to bourbon and rye because they’re the best. Of the two Cotswolds available, I went with founders reserve because it’s cask strength and cutting is for hair not whiskey.
So at 120ish proof, I was intrigued. I know it’s a younger whisky, which concerned me but the color is impressive even knowing it was aged in red wine oak barrels.
Nose: that typically earthy scotch smell with some red wine. Not my llano sweet red but a drier red. Thank g-d none of that terrible campfire peat.
Palate: It’s a little light at first, then the sweetness from the wine barrel kicks in. Not that typical vanilla, caramel, molasses sweetness from bourbon but a malty wine sweetness which makes sense. You can tell it’s cask strength but it’s an easy drinker which can be dangerous.
Finish: What surprised me was the the finish as it has a good spice that lasts like you see from a rye whiskey. The type that makes you want another sip to keep it going
Not that my opinion matters, but this is well worth the $60 especially if you like bourbon and want a break from chasing bottles.
