Cotswolds Distillery: The Story of the First Whisky Made in the Cotswolds
Updated: 19 hours ago
Cotswolds Distillery makes single malt whisky and gin among the rolling hills near Stourton, close to Shipston-on-Stour. It calls its first single malt the first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds. Here is how it got there.
In this guide
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Cotswolds at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery | Cotswolds |
Country / region | Warwickshire, England |
Owner / producer | Cotswolds Distillery |
History | Wikipedia reports crowdfunding rounds between 2016 and 2020, including 3 million pounds raised on Crowdcube in June 2018 for a visitor centre and 1 million pounds in January 2020. |
Whisky identity | English barley and oak cask expressions |
Visiting | Check the current official visiting arrangements before travelling. |
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Where it is and who started it
The distillery is at Stourton in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its founder and CEO is Daniel Szor, who says he looked at the barley fields and thought nobody was distilling it, so they should be the first. The distillery opened its doors in July 2014.
Gin first, whisky second
Whisky takes time, so gin came first. The distillery says it distilled 150 individual botanical spirits and tested more than 60 recipes before choosing one, which became Cotswolds Dry Gin. Cotswolds Signature Single Malt followed in October 2017.
The barley
According to the distillery, its barley comes from Akeman Street Farm, about 15 minutes away. It is grown by Michael Greene, a fifth generation farmer, in Cotswolds limestone soil. It is sown in spring, harvested in August and becomes the single malt.
Timeline from the distillery
2014: distillery opens in July.
2017: Signature Single Malt released in October.
2020: first Hearts and Crafts limited edition, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
2022: Golden Wold, first release in the Harvest series.
2023: a new distillery costing 3 million pounds opens in January, four times the size of the original, with capacity for 500,000 litres of pure alcohol a year. Highgrove, a partnership with the Highgrove Estate, launches later that year.
2024: the distillery turns ten and opens wetlands in August that treat around three quarters of its wastewater.
2026: English Whisky is granted protected Geographical Indication status.
Investors and growth
Wikipedia reports crowdfunding rounds between 2016 and 2020, including 3 million pounds raised on Crowdcube in June 2018 for a visitor centre and 1 million pounds in January 2020. It also reports that Berry Bros. & Rudd bought a minority stake in April 2023, and that Illva Saronno became exclusive distributor for the UK and Benelux from January 2024. Wikipedia also states that since March 2025 it has been the largest producer of English whisky. These points come from Wikipedia only and were not confirmed on the distillery site.
Visiting
The site has a distillery tour, shop and cafe, and the distillery says it has been named a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice in 2026. Wikipedia credits it with winning Best Distillery Tour at the Distillery Experience Awards in 2016. Check the official site for current tour details.
History and growth
Wikipedia says Cotswolds Distillery is in Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour, and was founded in 2014 by Daniel Szor. Gin production began first while whisky matured, and the first single malt was released in 2017.
Funding: crowdfunding rounds between 2016 and 2020, including 3 million pounds on Crowdcube in June 2018 for a visitor centre and 1 million pounds in January 2020
Investment: Berry Bros. & Rudd took a minority stake in April 2023
Distribution: Illva Saronno became exclusive distributor for the UK and Benelux from January 2024
Size: since March 2025 it is described as the largest producer of English whisky
Production: copper pot stills, double distillation, and maturation mainly in ex-bourbon and STR ex-wine casks
Visitors: the tour and tasting is said to draw over 100,000 visitors a year, and it won Best Distillery Tour at the 2016 Distillery Experience Awards
Collaboration: a 2024 limited edition with Highgrove using Plumage Archer barley from the Highgrove Estate
Sources and gaps
Sources: cotswoldsdistillery.com (About Us and Our Story pages, read 20 October 2026) and Wikipedia (Cotswolds Distillery). The Highgrove partnership is dated 2023 by the distillery and 2024 by Wikipedia. Not verified: still sizes, ABVs, tour prices and hours, awards list. Cover image to be added by Filip. Planned slug: cotswolds-distillery.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Wikipedia Cotswolds Distillery article.
What makes Cotswolds distinctive?
English barley and oak cask expressions.
Cotswolds whisky bottles and releases
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | English barley and oak cask expressions |
Cotswolds Founder's Choice | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | English barley and oak cask expressions |
The table records named expressions, not live stock. Bottle strength and cask treatment can vary by market and release. Always consult the producer.
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Frequently asked questions about Cotswolds
Where is Cotswolds based?
Warwickshire, England.
Who owns Cotswolds?
Cotswolds Distillery.
What is notable about Cotswolds?
English barley and oak cask expressions.
Which bottles does Cotswolds have?
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt, Cotswolds Founder's Choice. Releases and availability change.
Can you visit Cotswolds?
Check the distillery's official visitor or tour information before making travel plans.
Sources and editorial checks
The original history, references and research remain in this guide. Whisky range and visitor information may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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