S3 E11 Dan Szor, Founder The Cotswolds Distillery

So in this episode we’re going on a whisky and gin adventure with the founder of the multi award-winning distillery, The Cotswolds Distillery - Dan Szor.

To add into the mix, he’s a New Yorker making Scottish whisky in the Cotswolds. An intriguing combo don’t you think? He and his team clearly know what they’re up to as their whisky and gin have notched up Golds, Double Golds (I had no idea Double Golds existed until now), 3* star Taste Awards and stocked in near to 40 countries (UK stores include: Fortnum & Mason, Waitrose, Majestic and a host of fab independents). His distillery and visitor centre, opened by Prue Leith, have received the ‘Hidden Gem’ award from Visit England, and hold the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

We talk about how and why Dan made the shift from running a hedge fund to risking it all and going into whisky including his 'barley epiphany' and why buying a barrel of Bruichladdich whisky on a holiday visit helped cement his new chapter. You will discover how Dan and his team balance the concept of laying down stock (whisky takes 3 years before it can be called whisky which means a massive investment in stock), how gin became their 'love child' which was immediately picked up by Fortnum & Mason, Majestic and Harvey Nicols, the life their stills Lorelei & Dolly, the influence of his parents - his dad who survived life in a concentration camp -, the difference of working in the financial industry to running his own business, how they have survived the pandemic to date, how they support sustainability and climate change, what he does to keep fit and loads more.

My recommendation:  My Octopus Teacher ~ Netflix
Dan's book recommendation: Notes from a Small Island ~ Bill Bryson
Dan's book about his journey: Spirit Guide - In search of an authentic life (Available on their website and amazon). It's a brilliant read - trust me.
Chocolate: Fortnum & Mason whisky truffles
Quote: 'My heart is at ease knowing that what was meant for me will never miss me and that what misses me was never meant for me.' ~ Imam al-Shafi'i

Catch Dan, his team and products The Cotswold Distillery
Insta: @cotswoldsdistillery

Photo credit: Lorenz Gullachsen