Cotswolds Distillery
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Cotswolds Distillery

4.9
·1k reviews·Stourton, United Kingdom

Discover award-winning English whisky and gin crafted with local ingredients in the heart of the Cotswolds. Enjoy immersive tours and unique tasting e...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal experience.

CrowdLow
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Cotswolds Distillery

Cotswolds Distillery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal experience.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover award-winning English whisky and gin crafted with local ingredients in the heart of the Cotswolds. Enjoy immersive tours and unique tasting experiences.

4.9
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely fantastic experience. Probably one of the best distillery/brewery tours I've ever done."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Early

Popular tours, especially whisky blending, sell out fast. Book online in advance!

🚗 Designated Driver Options

Don't miss out! They offer tasters to take home for designated drivers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tour & Tasting

Distillery Tour & Tasting

Explore the craft spirit-making process and sample award-winning whiskies and gins. Knowledgeable guides make it engaging.

InstagramReddit
Fill Your Own Whisky Bottle

Fill Your Own Whisky Bottle

A unique experience to fill your own bottle directly from the cask – a truly special souvenir.

Instagram
Whisky Blending Masterclass

Whisky Blending Masterclass

An immersive session for whisky enthusiasts to learn and create their own unique blend.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours at the Cotswolds Distillery are highly popular, especially the whisky blending masterclass. Booking online ahead of time is essential to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, particularly for special occasions. InstagramReddit

Designated Driver? No Problem!

The distillery thoughtfully provides a 'goodie bag' of tasters for designated drivers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience without worry. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal experience.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch the buzz before peak hours.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“Don’t have too much fun without me” - especially if there’s a dram of Cotswolds Single Malt in hand. That’s just cruel.
cotswoldsdistillery
182 likes • 5.7K views

🎯 Book Tours Early

Popular tours, especially whisky blending, sell out fast. Book online in advance! InstagramReddit

🚗 Designated Driver Options

Don't miss out! They offer tasters to take home for designated drivers. Reddit+1

Did you know that you can ‘Fill Your Own’ whisky bottle straight from the cask at our distillery? Join us in Stourton to enjoy a truly special experience where currently you can fill your very own bottle of 7-year-old STR whisky while stocks last. This whisky has tasting notes of warm cereal with fresh red fruits, butterscotch and dark chocolate with a spicy oak finish. This whisky is exclusive ...
cotswoldsdistillery
115 likes • 3.8K views
New English Whisky arrival 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✈️ Cotswolds Reserve 50% abv 100% locally grown Barley, aged in first-fill Bourbon and red wine casks. Have you tried any Cotswolds Whiskies? . . . . . . . #cotswolds #englishwhisky #ウイスキー #whiskylove #cotswoldswhisky #cotswoldsdistillery #whiskylover #wiskey #wiskey #singlemaltwhisky #whiskey #instawhiskey #whiskylife #instadram #whiskeyporn #whiskylovers #威士忌 #w...
whisky_ambassador
51 likes • 600 views

🍕 Pizza & Drink Deal

Add pizza and a drink to your tour for a cheaper, tastier experience. Reddit

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

Take home your favorite sampled whiskies and gins from the onsite shop. Reddit

🌿✨ I had the most incredible day at the Cotswolds Distillery! @cotswoldsdistillery Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, this place is a true gem for anyone who loves craft spirits. 🥃🌳 🚶‍♂️We kicked off our adventure with a fascinating tour of the distillery, learning all about the meticulous process behind their amazing drinks. From the lab where ideas are born, and where they cre...
aryanapresenter
0 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Early

Popular tours, especially whisky blending, sell out fast. Book online in advance! InstagramReddit

🚗 Designated Driver Options

Don't miss out! They offer tasters to take home for designated drivers. Reddit+1

🍕 Pizza & Drink Deal

Add pizza and a drink to your tour for a cheaper, tastier experience. Reddit

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

Take home your favorite sampled whiskies and gins from the onsite shop. Reddit

✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Guides like James and Hattie are praised for making tours fun and informative. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cotswolds Distillery for its exceptional tours, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and high-quality spirits. The 'Fill Your Own' bottle experience and the Whisky Blending Masterclass are standout activities. While the cafe is pleasant, some find it can get busy during peak times.

"We had a fantastic time at the Cotswolds Distillery! This visit was part of a gift voucher experience we had been meaning to redeem for a while - and we are so glad we finally did.

Our guide (Jo, I believe) was excellent - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the distillery’s history and the whisky and gin-making process. It was fascinating to see how everything comes together to create such high-quality spirits.

The tasting afterward was great fun - my partner enjoyed sampling the whiskies, and since I was driving, I really appreciated being given a few miniatures to take home and try later. Such a thoughtful touch!

The premises are lovely, with a welcoming café/restaurant (the food looked delicious) and a well-stocked shop. We would definitely love to come back - next time, probably by taxi so we can both enjoy the tasting fully.

[Date of visit: 08 November 2025]"

Maxim Smirnoff

"Booked a tour online for our wedding anniversary. Turned up to be greeted by very friendly staff who explained where we needed to be and more importantly where the toilets were (needed those after a 2hr drive).
The tour starts off with a video which took about 10 minutes. James then took us around the site and explained how everything works and what they do with the byproducts throughout the process, it's a nice feeling knowing that you can drink something which doesn't leave much waste.
Once the tour was complete, we were taken to the tasting room.
I won't ruin your experience, so I'll leave that for you to find out (very positive I promise).
If you are the designated driver, don't panic, there's something for you to take home as well, you won't miss out.
We opted to add the pizza and drink option to our tour. It definitely pays to do this. It's cheaper than ordering from the table. There is a choice of pizzas from their menu, which should suit most tastes.
Of course you can buy what you sampled, we've walked away with a couple anniversary gifts for each other.
A pleasant day out, and we'll be back with friends very soon, that's for sure."

David Wood

"My husband and I went for a tour and tasting and had such a great time, we returned a couple weeks later to bring friends! The tour starts with a video to detail the history, vision and commitment to quality, then a tour of the production facility and ends with a tasting in a beautiful and comfortable private room.

We've been drinking Founders Choice since visiting their tasting room in 2019 and enjoyed getting a chance to try all their other whiskey's and gins, plus a couple additional unique offerings (amaro + cream whiskey)

I really want to highlight our tour guide/host, Charlotte. She was spectacular and made the tour so much fun!!! She was super knowledgeable about the production and products and was very easy to talk to. We had a million questions and she answered every one. Also - super important to know, she told us about an upgraded tasting which allowed us to try their higher end whiskeys! We didn't know about that in previous tours so she made this tour extra special - and the upgraded cost was minimal - definitely worth the £12. Thumbs up to Charlotte and the tour and I'm sure we'll be back."

Suzie Sims

What People Like

Engaging and informative tours
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
High-quality gin and whisky

What People Dislike

Cafe can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cotswolds Distillery is located in Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5EX. It's nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. InstagramReddit

The distillery is best reached by car. There is ample parking available onsite. Public transport options are limited in this rural area, so driving is recommended. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available for visitors at the Cotswolds Distillery. Reddit

Taxis are available, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially if traveling from further afield, as local taxi services can be busy. Reddit

The nearest train stations are Moreton-in-Marsh and Honeybourne, both of which are a short drive from the distillery. You would likely need a taxi from the station. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices vary depending on the type of tour and any added experiences like pizza or masterclasses. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and booking options. InstagramReddit

Yes, booking your tour in advance online is highly recommended, especially for popular experiences like the whisky blending masterclass, as they often sell out. InstagramReddit

A standard tour typically includes a guided walk through the distillery, an explanation of the production process for both whisky and gin, and a tasting session. InstagramReddit

While tours are the main way to experience the distillery, you can often visit the shop and cafe without a tour booking. However, to see the production and participate in tastings, a tour is necessary. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Cotswolds Distillery website for the most current information on tour times and visitor centre hours. Reddit

🎫 🥃 Gin & Whisky Experience

They are famous for their Cotswold Dry Gin, which uses locally grown barley and botanicals. They also produce other varieties like Cotswold Wildflower Gin and seasonal editions. InstagramReddit

Cotswolds whisky is made from 100% locally grown barley and aged in first-fill bourbon and red wine casks, giving it a unique flavor profile. They offer single malt whiskies. Instagram+1

Yes, tastings are a key part of the distillery tours. You can sample their award-winning whiskies and gins. Reddit+1

This unique experience allows you to fill your own bottle of whisky directly from a cask, offering a truly personalized souvenir. Instagram

While the focus is on spirits, the cafe offers a range of beverages. For designated drivers, a special tasting pack is provided to take home. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the distillery has a cafe that serves food. Many visitors opt for the pizza and drink package, which can be added to their tour. Reddit+1

The cafe offers a selection of pizzas and other light meals. The food is generally well-regarded by visitors. Reddit+1

Yes, adding a pizza and drink option to your tour package is often more economical than ordering separately. Reddit

Yes, you can typically visit the cafe and shop without booking a tour, though access to the distillery and tastings requires a tour ticket. Reddit

While specific menus can change, the cafe usually offers options that cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check their current menu or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tours, allowing you to capture the beautiful surroundings and the distilling process. Instagram

Absolutely! The distillery is set in a beautiful rural location, offering scenic views and photogenic spots both inside and outside the facility. InstagramReddit

The exterior shots with the rolling hills, the stills inside the production area, and the tasting room offer great photographic potential. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at such facilities due to safety and operational reasons. It's best to check with the distillery directly before flying a drone. Instagram

Late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while daytime tours offer good lighting inside the distillery for capturing the equipment. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the primary focus is on spirits, the Cotswolds Distillery can still be an enjoyable outing for families. The cafe offers food options that can appeal to children, and the scenic rural setting provides a pleasant environment. The distillery tour itself might be less engaging for very young children, but older kids might find the process of making spirits interesting. InstagramReddit

It's worth noting that the tasting portions of the tour are for adults. However, the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to purchase unique gifts from the shop can make it a worthwhile stop. Consider booking a tour during a quieter time to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

🥃 Whisky Enthusiasts

For whisky lovers, the Cotswolds Distillery is a must-visit. The Whisky Blending Masterclass is highly recommended, offering a deep dive into the art of whisky creation and the chance to craft your own blend. Reddit The standard distillery tour also provides excellent insights into their single malt whisky production, from grain to bottle. Instagram+1

You'll have the opportunity to taste their award-winning single malt whiskies, often aged in a combination of bourbon and red wine casks, which contribute to their distinctive flavor. The chance to 'Fill Your Own' bottle directly from the cask is a truly special experience for any whisky collector. Instagram

🍸 Gin Connoisseurs

Gin enthusiasts will be delighted by the Cotswold Dry Gin, celebrated for its aromatic profile derived from local botanicals. The distillery tour includes a tasting where you can savor this and other gin varieties. InstagramReddit Many visitors rave about the quality and unique flavors of Cotswolds gins, often purchasing bottles to take home. Reddit

Look out for special editions or seasonal gins that showcase the distillery's creativity. The combination of a distillery tour, tasting, and the beautiful Cotswolds setting makes for a perfect day out for gin lovers. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cotswolds Spirits

The Cotswolds Distillery is renowned for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, particularly 100% locally grown barley for its whiskies. This dedication to provenance is a cornerstone of their brand. Their Cotswold Dry Gin is a prime example, infused with nine locally sourced botanicals, including lavender and blue cornflower, creating a uniquely aromatic and flavorful spirit. InstagramReddit

Founded by Daniel Szor, the distillery has quickly gained international acclaim for its quality and distinctive character. They emphasize traditional methods combined with modern innovation, ensuring a high standard across their product range. Visitors often praise the transparency of the production process, with many areas of the distillery accessible during tours, offering an intimate look at how their spirits are crafted. InstagramReddit

Beyond gin and whisky, the distillery also produces other spirits and seasonal offerings. Their commitment extends to sustainability, with efforts made to minimize waste throughout the production cycle. This holistic approach, from ingredient sourcing to environmental consciousness, contributes to the overall appeal of the Cotswolds Distillery experience. InstagramReddit

Experiencing a Distillery Tour

A tour at the Cotswolds Distillery is more than just a walk-through; it's an immersive journey into the world of craft spirits. Guides like James and Hattie are frequently highlighted for their engaging personalities and deep knowledge, making the tour both educational and entertaining. They explain the intricate steps involved in creating whisky and gin, from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation. InstagramReddit+1

The tour culminates in a tasting session, where visitors can sample a selection of the distillery's finest products. Whether you're a seasoned whisky aficionado or new to gin, the tasting allows you to appreciate the nuances and quality of Cotswolds spirits. For those who are not drinking, or are the designated driver, the distillery thoughtfully provides a take-home tasting pack, ensuring no one feels left out. Reddit+1

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the Whisky Blending Masterclass offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about whisky profiles and even create your own unique blend to take home. This is often cited as a highlight for whisky enthusiasts and a fantastic gift idea. Reddit

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