Cotswolds Distillery announces expansion

The Cotswolds Distillery has unveiled a significant expansion in its single malt whisky-making operation, which will see it become England's largest whisky producer.

The expansion at its site near Shipton on Stour includes a new dedicated whisky distillery, which will eventually help the company to achieve an output of 500,000 litres of pure alcohol per year. The build is expected to be commissioned in mid-2022.

The project has been driven by significant growth in off-trade and online sales, as well as in key international markets. According to its own figures, Cotswolds Distillery saw sales growth of 30 per cent in volume and 35 per cent in value in 2021 compared with the previous year.

Daniel Szor, the distillery's founder, said: "Since the launch of Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky in 2017, its spectacular growth in popularity has proven its ability to drive our premium brand both nationally and across key international markets.

"The long-term nature of whisky production, combined with our ambition to remain at the forefront of the fast-growing English whisky movement for years to come, is behind our decision to significantly upscale our whisky production. The priority for this ambitious expansion is retaining our signature quality and deliciousness and continuing to highlight our beautiful Cotswold homeland."

As part of the expansion, the distillery has appointed Lynsey Eades as international sales and global travel retail director. Eades has previously worked with companies including Mars, Cointreau, Valrhona and Godiva.

To support expansion in their key markets, including the US, France and Germany, Szor and his senior distillery team are being advised by Ken Grier, former creative director for The Macallan, and Diageo's former director of Scotch whisky Richard Watling.

1 February 2022 - Bethany Whymark