Ep. 144: The Cotswolds Distillery, Part 2 with Founder Dan Szor

Author: David Levine
Published: Wed 12 Jun 2024
Episode Link: https://whiskeyringpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-144-cotswolds-distillery-part-2-with-dan-szor/

Barley, Fortnum & Mason, and a 10th Anniversary Celebration

What if the land itself could tell the story of your whiskey? This part-two episode brings you the conclusion of our in-depth conversation with Dan Szor, founder and former CEO of Cotswolds Distilling, as he reveals how the unique terroir of the Cotswolds shapes their exceptional spirits. We draw parallels with the Bruichladdich model and discuss how the natural beauty and traditional malting barley of this region contribute to creating a whiskey that truly embodies its essence.

Balancing heritage and modernity, we delve into the complexities of managing barley varieties. Dan shares the success and challenges of using heritage barley like Plumage Archer and the economic realities of sourcing barley for production. Listen as we discuss the vital role of the local community in supporting the distillery and the intricate dance between maintaining product consistency and embracing agricultural heritage.

From Parisian adventures to impactful partnerships, we celebrate the distillery's journey and its innovative spirit. Learn about the significance of high-quality wood in whiskey aging, and the influence of industry veterans like Jim Swan. Reflecting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan shares market adaptations, production challenges, and future growth potential. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of building a lasting legacy in the distillery business, culminating in an invitation to join the 10th-anniversary celebration of Cotswolds Distilling.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Key Highlights:

The influence of Cotswolds' natural beauty and traditional malting barley on their whiskey

Managing heritage barley varieties and economic realities of whiskey production

The journey of maturation processes and their impact on whiskey profiles

Collaboration with Fortnum & Mason and the significance of high-quality wood in aging

Adaptations and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Celebrating a decade of Cotswolds Distilling's achievements

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Cotswolds Distillery