Cotswolds Distillery has released a limited-edition single malt whisky inspired by the Cotswolds landscape, with artwork by Oxfordshire artist Jeffrey Pratt featuring on its presentation tube.
The Round Hill Harvest Single Malt Whisky is the fifth release in the distillery’s annual Harvest Series, which brings together limited-edition whisky with paintings celebrating the Cotswolds countryside.
Only 1,200 bottles have been produced. The whisky is priced at £110 for a 70cl bottle and is bottled at 55 per cent ABV.
Pratt, who has lived in Swerford for more than 35 years, painted the landscape around Round Hill near Traitor’s Ford. The distillery says the location has particular significance for founder Daniel Szor, who was inspired to establish the business after seeing fields of golden barley growing near his home.
The presentation tube for the new release features Pratt’s painting Past Traitors Ford, which the distillery describes as capturing the character of the Cotswolds landscape through its fields, changing light and seasonal colours.
The whisky itself has been made using 100 per cent Cotswolds barley and combines whisky matured in ex-maple syrup casks with Spanish oak Oloroso hogsheads and a subtle influence of peat.
The distillery’s tasting notes describe aromas of malt loaf, maple and caramelised white chocolate, followed by malt loaf, salted caramel, sweet herbal notes and candied pecans.
The Harvest Series is released annually, with each edition combining a different landscape painting with a particular selection of whisky casks. The distillery says the series is intended to connect the region’s landscape, local creativity and whisky production.
Cotswolds Distillery was established in 2014 and operates its main distillery and visitor centre in Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour, alongside shops in Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water.
The distillery says its three locations receive more than 100,000 visitors a year, while its visitor operation includes tours, tastings and whisky-making experiences.
The Round Hill Harvest Single Malt is available through the Cotswolds Distillery’s online shop and its three retail locations.
