The Cotswolds Distillery, producers of the world’s best-selling English whisky, has unveiled an extraordinary new limited edition that marks a significant milestone in English whisky-making. Cotswolds Wychwood Harvest Single Malt Whisky represents the fourth release in their acclaimed Harvest Series, a collection that celebrates the English harvest and the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds region. With only 1,500 bottles available, this exclusive release is named after the ancient Wychwood Forest near Witney in Oxfordshire, paying homage to the deep-rooted history and natural beauty that define the area.
What makes this release particularly special is the creative vision behind it. At just 25 years old, Alice Pearson stands as one of the youngest female distillers in the United Kingdom, and she has been personally involved in every aspect of this whisky’s creation, from Port cask selection to the final expression. Under the guidance of Cotswolds Distillery founder Dan Szor, Alice has been given the freedom to innovate and experiment with different cask finishes and maturation lengths, resulting in what the distillery considers their most accomplished tribute to Port cask maturation to date.
Alice crafted this distinctive expression from a rare parcel of Port casks and carefully selected Bourbon casks that were laid down nearly a decade ago. Her innovative and creative approach shines through in every element of this release. Alice expressed her enthusiasm about introducing this latest Harvest expression to both UK and international consumers, noting that they wanted to create a whisky that celebrates the traditions of the farming community, one that is bold and expressive.
The Liquid: A Symphony of Flavour
The first thing you notice about Wychwood Harvest is its stunning appearance. The whisky pours with deep crimson hues, a visual testament to its time ageing in those carefully selected Port casks. On the palate, the liquid delivers remarkable structure and depth, featuring strong notes of stewed-like berries, blackcurrant, and dark fruit compote. Soft vanilla notes beautifully complement the rich layers from the carefully selected bourbon barrels. There’s an inviting sweetness that draws you in, aside from the vanilla, a faint whisper of smoke lurking in the background.
Bottled at 50% ABV, this whisky exudes presence and power, yet it maintains an elegant balance that makes it exceptionally versatile. Neat is the best way to enjoy it; it reveals its full complexity. The interplay between the Port cask’s rich fruitiness and the bourbon barrel’s vanilla sweetness creates a sophisticated drinking experience that just evolves in the glass.
For cocktail enthusiasts, the Wychwood Harvest offers exciting possibilities. Its bold character and concentrated fruit notes make it an ideal base for elevated classics. Overall, it’s a whisky that evolves beautifully as it sits in the glass, revealing new layers with each sip. Add a few drops of water, and the expression changes completely, softening the alcohol heat and allowing more delicate nuances to emerge: a hint of dried figs, a touch of chocolate, and some spices.
Cocktail Versatility
While spectacular enjoyed neat, Wychwood Harvest’s bold character makes it exceptionally versatile in cocktails. In an Old Fashioned, the dark fruit compote amplifies the bitters beautifully. In a Manhattan cocktail, the Port cask influence complements the vermouth’s botanicals. Try it in a Whisky Sour where the dark fruit notes play beautifully against fresh lemon juice, or in a Rob Roy for something richer and more complex. The whisky’s structure means it can stand up to intense flavours like ginger, dark chocolate, or coffee, yet remains smooth enough not to overpower delicate ingredients like honey or herbal liqueur.
A Celebration of Heritage
The presentation of this new bottle reflects this dual focus on tradition and innovation. Oxfordshire-based artist Andrea Bates created the stunning artwork for the presentation tube, depicting a beautiful farming landscape set against a dramatic, cloudy sky, a visual celebration of the Cotswolds scenery and the farmland that produces the harvest. It’s a fitting package for a whisky that honours heritage while embracing bold new directions.
The timing couldn’t be better for this release. As Dan Szor, Founder of Cotswolds Distillery notes, with the world spotlight on the Cotswolds region and many people relocating there from the US in particular, they feel the time is right to continue their global expansion, not only with their best-selling Signature English whisky but also introducing exciting new limited editions.
The distillery has earned its reputation as the world’s leading English whisky producer through exactly this combination of quality and innovation. They were the first English whisky distillery to sell 100,000 bottles globally and are now available in more than 30 markets. Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually across its central facility and stores, offering tours and tastings that showcase its commitment to craft and quality.
With only 1,500 bottles available, Cotswolds Wychwood Harvest Single Malt Whisky represents not just a limited edition release, but a glimpse into the future of English whisky, bold, expressive, and crafted by a new generation of talented distillers like Alice Pearson, who isn’t afraid to challenge conventions while respecting tradition.
Available now
Price: £100 (70cl)
Where: Cotswolds Distillery and fine retailers worldwide
For more information visit cotswoldsdistillery.com
Images courtesy of The Cotswolds Distillery.