There’s something undeniably personal about Cotswolds Founder’s Choice. Maybe it’s the intensity, maybe it’s the soul. Born from red wine casks and the vision of founder Dan Szor, this whisky isn’t here to play safe, it’s bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable. Crafted using the revolutionary STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) method, this dram tells a story in every sip.

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Batch Strength – Ex-Red Wine – STR Process 70cl
Brand: Cotswolds Distillery | Category: English Single Malt Whisky | ABV: 60.9% | Origin: England | Vol: 700ml

Tasting Profile
Nose: Like opening a spice cabinet in a French patisserie, rich fruitcake, toasted oak, red berries, and a warm wave of cinnamon.
Palate: Full bodied and mouth coating, intense dark fruits, treacle, and clove mingle with cherry jam and malted chocolate, all framed by the structure of dry oak and subtle tannins.
Finish: Long and warming, bold spices and red fruit compote roll off the tongue in waves, with a whisper of charred wood echoing at the end.

Production Details
This whisky is aged in shaved, toasted, and re-charred ex-red wine casks, a method pioneered by the late Dr. Jim Swan. The STR process reactivates the wine-stained wood, imparting deep color, bold flavor, and a rich texture. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, it’s whisky in its purest, most expressive form.

Perfect For
Stormy evenings, leather armchairs, and playlists filled with cello. This isn’t background whisky, it’s the main event.

Expert Notes
Winner of Best English Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards, this release is celebrated for its complexity and character. It bridges Old World elegance with New World boldness, making it a darling among serious collectors and independent bottlers.

Customer Reviews
“This is a flavour bomb. I didn’t know English whisky could hit this hard, in the best way.”
“I tasted this once and bought a backup bottle immediately. You just don’t forget it.”
“Every sip feels like a special occasion. Deep, rich, and just the right kind of dangerous.”

Interesting Fact
The STR method used here was invented by whisky legend Dr. Jim Swan, who consulted for Cotswolds and helped shape this very expression. It’s as much a tribute as it is a technical marvel.

Serving Suggestions
A few drops of water can unlock a wave of fruit and spice, don’t be afraid to play with it. For the adventurous, pair it with dark chocolate or smoked duck.

Distillery Background
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this English distillery was founded in 2014 by Dan Szor, a New Yorker-turned-Brit who left finance for the farm life. Today, Cotswolds Distillery is leading a new wave of English whisky with uncompromising quality, farm-to-bottle transparency, and unapologetic boldness.