The Cotswolds Distillery is situated in an AONB in the heart of the beautiful English countryside.
One of only a few distilleries in the UK which produces both gin and whisky it is a great day out, offering tours and tastings, gin and whisky masterclasses and a café and shop where visitors can enjoy a delicious lunch and then purchase a memento of their day.
The distillery is only 75 miles from London and easily accessible by train and car and last year it was voted the most popular whisky distillery in the UK and Ireland for the second year in a row.
Cotswolds Distillery was the only English whisky distillery to be named in the top 10 and was commended for its, “highly sought-after destination in a picturesque location, immersive tour and the opportunity to witness the meticulous craft of distilling first-hand”.
Cotswolds Distillery Experiences
The Distillery Tour and Tasting (£25 per person or £37 per person with lunch included) is a guided tour of the distillery, including the still house and cask warehouse, followed by a tasting of the distillery’s full range of spirits. With a duration of approximately 90 minutes, this unique and insightful tour offers you the opportunity to see and smell the process of how award-winning spirits are made. At the end of the tour, you’ll be lucky enough to sample the range of whiskies, gins and liqueurs which include their Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky and their Cotswolds Dry Gin.
Cocktail Masterclass (£55 per person)
With a Cotswolds Cloudy G&T to enjoy on arrival, this experience is hands-on. This masterclass involves cocktail creating as well as learning from the cocktail connoisseur and Head of Mixology, Oliver Morris. Learning the tips and tricks, you will make your Martini-style cocktails whilst learning how to perfect the flavour balance of a Sour cocktail. Additionally, you get the chance to sample some distillery-exclusive products and mix up another cocktail using seasonal ingredients.
Whisky Blending Masterclass (£100 per person) During this masterclass you will learn what makes the award-winning Cotswolds Distillery whiskies so special and you will get to blend your own whisky. Whilst enjoying your Highball whisky cocktail on arrival, you will be talked through the history of whisky and
The Cotswolds Distillery story. You will then have a guided tour of the distillery and visit the warehouse, where you will learn all about the magic of whisky maturation, including different types of barrels you use to age the whiskies and what flavours they impart. You will also be shown how to make a whisky cocktail with your blended single malt whisky before bottling up the rest for you to take home in a presentation box.
Gin Blending Masterclass (£100 per person)You will enjoy a welcome Cotswolds Cloudy G&T on arrival and then be taken through the history of gin and how this juniper flavoured spirit is made. You will then enjoy a tor of the distillery and learn about single pot distillation and how Cotswolds Dry Gin was developed.
Before blending your gin, you will nose and taste a variety of botanicals and distillates, ranging from fruity to spicy botanicals. You can mix the distillates as you wish and once you have mastered your recipe, your host will use their expert knowledge to help you create a unique perfect serve which you can sip afterwards. Before the evening closes you will learn how to make a Martini cocktail using your bespoke gin which you will take home in a presentation box.
Cotswolds Dry Gin
This delectable blend of nine carefully considered botanicals, including local lavender for the Cotswolds and freshly peeled pink grapefruit and lime zest, will make the perfect gift for your loved one. The unusually high volume of botanicals used to create this unique gin causes a beautiful pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added.
RRP: £37.00 for 70cl. ABV: 46%. Available from: Cotswolds Distillery, Master of Malt, Drink Supermarket and Amazon