Cotswolds Odyssey Barley

An english single malt, something that doesn't come close too often. It is as standard as a whisky can be, and that is not a bad thing in this case. This one is called 2014 Odyssey Barley, and it comes from locally grown barley in the cotswolds hills in England. Bottled at 46%abv, with an amber color. On the nose, pretty aromatic. Oranges, Malted barley, Rice, Candied oranges; Ginger. Candied fruits aroma. Yellow apples. After first sip, green apples appear and hints of Honey. On the palate, it is a little dull. Spicy, pepper, Red fruits, Oranges and Syrup. Aftertaste gets a little better, with a light tobacco note; hay; a raw rice overall feeling. Spicy pepper. Overall this is a good dram. Maybe an everyday whisky. Very easy drinkable, the higher abv helps it to have clean flavors and aromas, but it is as standard as a whisky can be. 80 over 100, for a 4yo dram, it is a good deal.

The Cotswolds distillery was established in 2014, becoming the first full-scale distillery in the history of the area. Using only locally grown barley which is then floor malted, the spirit is then matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks. Dramfest 2020. I was really impressed with these guys. They do really good stuff at a fair price. Very oily and flavorful.

Nose is floral - loads of honeysuckle, jasmine, acacia flower, honey, some creamy dessert, peach pudding. Palate does not disappoint at all, very much focused around caramelised dried fruit, caramel, mocha, vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious, I’d drink that instead of a dessert.

Young and a little harsh but overall very drinkable. Bottled at 46%, lots of vanilla and caramel on the nose, lemon and spice on the palate. Finish is long with spice and vanilla returning but is a little harsh. Drop of water might smooth it out.

Sweet, butterscotch, rich, spiky, horse shitty, dung