In a regal tribute to the 75th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, the renowned Cotswolds Distillery has joined forces with Highgrove to craft a singular and limited edition whisky. This distinguished spirit, named the King's Birthday Vatting, embodies a blend of heritage Plumage Archer barley cultivated exclusively at the Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire, England.
The meticulous craftsmanship behind this celebratory single malt involves maturation in a symphony of carefully selected casks, including Bourbon, Port, and ex-red wine, each contributing to a tapestry of flavors. The journey of this whisky began in May 2017 when the casks were lovingly filled, reaching its crescendo as it was exclusively bottled by Cotswolds Distillery on November 14, 2023, marking the monarch's milestone birthday.
The King's Birthday Vatting emerges as a testament to the artistry of whisky making, offering a rich and nuanced flavor profile. Infused with notes of red fruits and nutmeg, the whisky delivers an exquisite finish, leaving an enduring impression of spice and dark chocolate on the palate.
What adds an extra layer of significance to this release is its charitable purpose. All proceeds from the sale of the 1,500 limited-edition bottles will be directed towards The King's Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing charitable education and training initiatives. The foundation, overseer of the public opening of Highgrove Gardens, engages in a spectrum of programs, from furniture-making to fashion, textiles, and craft skills.
Scott Simpson, Head of Group Retail for The King's Foundation, expressed delight in the collaboration with Cotswolds Distillery, emphasizing the importance of supporting local endeavors. He remarked, "We are delighted to announce the release of the Highgrove King’s Birthday Single Malt Whisky. We are pleased to be working with a local distillery based in the Cotswolds that has created this special edition whisky using barley grown at the Highgrove Estate."
Founder of Cotswolds Distillery, Dan Szor, echoed the sentiment, describing the collaboration as an "honour and privilege." He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to produce an exceptional English single malt whisky to commemorate the 75th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
This release is not only a testament to the artistry of English whisky but also a symbol of collaboration between Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery. The exquisite packaging, featuring a commemorative label and presented in a royal blue tube, adds an extra layer of grandeur to this exclusive release.
The unveiling of this limited edition whisky follows a trend set by other distinguished brands, such as Graham's Port, which recently released ten of the last remaining bottles of 1948 Vintage Port in commemoration of His Majesty King Charles III's 75th birthday. The convergence of luxury, craftsmanship, and philanthropy in these releases marks a momentous occasion in the world of spirits, capturing the essence of celebration and benevolence.