English whisky continues its remarkable ascent and the Cotswolds Distillery, the world’s best-selling English single malt producer, reinforces its reputation with the Wychwood Harvest – a limited edition of just 1,500 bottles that represents the distillery’s boldest statement on port cask maturation to date.
Named after the ancient Wychwood Forest near Witney in Oxfordshire, this fourth instalment in the annual Harvest Series carries special significance. It showcases the creative vision of Alice Pearson, the distillery’s 25-year-old manager and one of the UK’s youngest female distillers, who was given free rein to experiment with cask selection and maturation profiles. The result is a whisky crafted from rare parcels of port and bourbon casks laid down nearly a decade ago, a marriage that reflects both patience and ambition.
At 50 percent ABV, the Wychwood Harvest arrives with presence. The liquid pours with striking deep crimson hues, an immediate visual testament to its extended time in port casks. On the nose, concentrated dark fruit character dominates with layers of stewed berries, blackcurrant, and dark fruit compote. These intense fruit notes are balanced by soft vanilla undertones from carefully selected bourbon barrels, while a gentle wisp of peat adds unexpected complexity to the aromatic profile.
The palate delivers on the promise of the nose, offering structure and depth that feels bold without being overwhelming. The port influence brings richness and weight, while the bourbon component provides counterpoint with its mellowing sweetness. This interplay creates an expressive whisky that honours traditional farming heritage while demonstrating contemporary English whisky’s evolution.
Golden and full-bodied, the Cotswolds Wychwood Harvest Single Malt captures the essence of English craftsmanship in every sip.
The presentation reflects the series’ commitment to celebrating Cotswolds craftsmanship. Oxfordshire artist Andrea Bates designed the tube, depicting rolling farmland beneath clouded skies – a fitting tribute to the agricultural community that Pearson aimed to honour with this release.
At £100 for a 70cl bottle, the Wychwood Harvest positions itself as a premium limited edition. For collectors and enthusiasts tracking English whisky’s growing global footprint, this release marks an important milestone. One one side, we have the distillery’s technical accomplishment with port cask maturation and on the other, the emerging talent that is shaping the category’s future. With the Cotswolds Distillery now available in over 30 markets worldwide, releases like this signal English whisky’s ambitions extend far beyond novelty status.
Make sure you get yours HERE, before the 1,500 bottles are gone.
Author: Lina Ress
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