Not long ago, we took a trip to the Cotswold distillery! We explored the art of distillation, where we learnt the science and magic that goes on behind-the-scenes, as well as the inspiration for their magnificent packaging and flavours comes from.
We travelled from our Burford office to the outskirts of Stourton, just outside Shipston-on-stour, arriving at the Cotswold Distillery. I enjoyed a hot, delicious flat white in their gorgeous café known as the ‘Still House’, where they serve a locally sourced menu for visitors who are looking for a leisurely lunch or charming bite to eat. We were met by Melissa, who kindly gave us a whistlestop tour of the distillery!
We began in the original Distillery and were introduced to each still, which were named after female singers: Lorelei, Dolly for Gin and Marry and Janis were the original Whisky stills! We passed the bottling hall, which was filled with operation lines of gin and whisky glass bottles. In the newer Distillery stood two enormous stills Rosie and Fanny, and on our walk around saw all sorts of incredible containers and impressive equipment. Making our way back to the café via the onsite warehouse, we saw their first cask, which was produced in 2014… unsurprisingly, this has been bagged by Dan, the Founder (although I did make a bid, I couldn’t win his prize possession!). We circled back to the cool tasting room, where we all browsed upon the variety of flavours and admired the packing and discussed which our favourite gin and mixer combo was- personally, I’m a sucker for their wildflower gin and fever tree tonic!
After showing my colleague Rosie the footage of the shiny copper chambers towering over the maze of pipes, taps and thermometers, she said that it reminded her of the scene in Shrek 2; where the Fairy Godmother has shelves of bubbly potions, clockwork machinery and steaming cauldrons in her magic quarters (I’m sure the younger ones will understand Rosie is referring to here).
When the sunny weather finally hits, I will definitely go back with everyone from the office, as this is an experience that everyone should get to enjoy!
How to get involved
Check out Cotswolds Distillery | Lovingly Crafted Spirits to get involved today, where you’ll have the rare and exciting chance to experience the magic of the Cotswold Distillery for yourselves; education of the ‘grain-to-glass’ process in one location, see every part of the distilling process up-close and in-detail, give your tastebuds a treat in the comfortable tasting room, let the shop team help you choose the perfect gift and become a whisky, gin or cocktail-making wizard through masterclasses!
Learn more about the history behind it all Our Story | Cotswolds Distillery
Find the one closest to you: Contact Us | Cotswolds Distillery
- Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road, Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5EX – Contact 01608 238533
- 2 The Forge High Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AN -Contact 01451 820694
- 33 High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DP – Contact 01386 859657
