Cotswolds New Make Spirit

The English Cotswolds distillery was founded in 2014. By now the first malt has been released, but before getting to that, I first would like to try the new make spirit. This particular lot was distilled in January 2017 and comes in small 20cl bottles at 63.5%. I secretly hope to discover some similarities with their outstanding gin.

The classic notes of new make are immediately recognizable: sweet malt, boiled vegetables and a light hint of yeast. But this new make also sports a slight floral side. Think elderflower, lavender and rosemary. Some aniseed in the background. Very clean and accessible. I am surprised there is no alcohol burn.

On the palate, there is hardly any alcohol either, despite it being 63.5%. It arrives smoothly and offers, next to the classic new make traits, some rosemary and macadamia nuts (by the way, those nuts of Australian origin were named for John Macadam, a Scottish medical doctor). I am imagining things or do I actually taste juniper berries? Reminds me very much of their gin, but that is just fine as I think it’s a great gin.

The finish is long, clean and just a tad spicy.

This is the type of new make that makes me smile: very drinkable, no off notes and without a doubt very good in a summery cocktail. But mostly because this will no doubt evolve into great whisky if the right wood is used.