Cotswolds Distillery heads for New York

One of the UK’s newest distilleries has joined a growing band of English producers who are turning their focus to exports, with a deal that will see its gin sold in the US later this year.

Founded by New Yorker Daniel Szor, The Cotswolds Distillery began production last summer, starting with a gin while its whisky completes the mandatory three year maturation process.

The venture took considerable inspiration from the dynamism in evidence across the US craft spirits scene, with Szor now hoping that this same market will provide a welcoming customer base for his English products.

Announcing the deal with New York-based importer MHW Ltd, Szor commented: “The US market represents a significant opportunity for our firm, and New York is a great place to start, given the appreciation of craft spirits, ultra-premium products in general and ‘Made in England’ in particular.”

The gin, which is due to launch in New York this April, features a range of “Cotswold botanicals” such as lavender and bay leaf. Szor remarked: “Our natural, unfiltered dry gin is a unique product and we believe it will go down a treat – especially with bartenders and mixologists who looking for superior quality and a unique flavour and back story.”

Commenting on the new partnership, John Beaudette, CEO of MHW Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Distillery on the US launch of their wonderful new gin. This new and iconic brand has achieved amazing success and recognition in the UK in a very short time and we are certain it will go far in New York and other major markets across the US.”

The deal marks the latest development in a wider push for high quality English wine, beer, cider and spirits to build a higher export profile. Last year saw the launch of the British Bottle Company by Red Johnson, which is working to promote its agency portfolio in markets worldwide.

Meanwhile the ongoing growth of the English wine industry has led a number of producers such as recent arrival Rathfinny to focus on building a strong export element into their business model.