Cotswolds Distillery unveils rum-influenced whisky

English producer Cotswolds Distillery has released a limited edition single malt whisky matured in rum-seasoned ex-red wine casks, the third expression in the brand's Hearts & Crafts series.

The Hearts & Crafts collection celebrates the 'arts and crafts movement', an international movement which took place in Europe and North America between 1880-1920. It 'flourished' in the Cotswolds, and celebrated the importance of traditional craftsmanship, according to the brand. Founder Dan Szor said: “I’ve always loved a good sipping rum, but I’ve often felt let down by 'rum-finished' single malts. This wonderful new Hearts & Crafts bottling, however, really delivers." The Rum Cask Single Malt Whisky has been aged in rejuvenated French oak ex-red wine casks seasoned with fine Caribbean rum. This has imparted notes of soft brown sugar and ripe pears on the 'well-balanced' expression. With baked apple and vanilla ice cream on the nose, the new release finishes with flavours of tropical fruit and orange peel. "Our focus on full-term maturation, rather than finishing, and the use of high-quality French oak casks seasoned with Caribbean rum makes this whisky both finely balanced and immensely satisfying. It’s quickly become my favourite dram.” All bottles are designed with a limited edition William Morris printed tube. Morris was a British designer renowned for his revival of textile arts and wallpaper designs. The liquid clocks in at 55.6% ABV, and retails for RRP £74.95 (US$94.08) per 700ml bottle. It can be purchased from Cotswolds Distillery. Cotswolds Distillery recently saw a shake up of its team, with the appointment of Rob Patchett as its first whisky brand ambassador, and the hire of Jeremy Parsons as its new chief executive officer.