The Whiskymaker’s Reserve
The Lakes Distillery has unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase the house style defined by their whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi.
“Creating a new whisky requires a framework of sorts, but there must be room within it to play, to follow gut feeling and instinct.”
Inspired by nature, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 is an artistic exploration of maturation and blending; of flavour evolution and defining a sherry-led house style.
With 5,922 individually numbered bottles at a cask strength of 60.6% ABV, it is a full-bodied expression, matured in the finest, meticulously sourced PX and red wine casks, comprising American, Spanish and French oak.
Non-chill filtered and bottled at the natural colour, the nose is rich and vibrant with vanilla, chocolate and wood spice, layers of dry fruits, ginger and orange on the palate and a long, warming finish.
Joining The Lakes Distillery for the opportunity to define the house style of the new distillery, whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi is an expert in flavour creation, maturation – particularly in sherry-casks – and blending.
Creating a new whisky requires a framework of sorts, but there must be room within it to play, to follow gut feeling and instinct.
At The Lakes, we respect the conventions of Scotch whisky heritage but are open to a world of other influences, interpreting what we believe is right to make The Lakes Single Malt one of the finest whiskies in the world.
We don’t believe in taking the easy option if there’s another way to add a new dimension of flavour. For The Lakes, that means not only creating flavour in the new-make-spirit but also opening up more flavour possibilities throughout the journey through the entire whisky-making process.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery whiskymaker
The standard type of ex-sherry cask used in the whisky industry is a 500-litre ‘butt’ made from European oak, seasoned with Oloroso. This large size makes it ideal for longer-term maturation and gives the spirit notes of dried fruit, clove and a firm tannic grip. The Lakes, on the other hand, has widened the net.
As well as this type of sherry cask, they are also maturing their single malt in PX, Cream and the drier Fino. Furthermore, these casks are made from Spanish, American and French oak in 500-litre ‘butts’ and 205-litre ‘hogsheads’.
The idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. We see whisky-making as part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.
That is why, unusually, Dhavall is actively involved at every stage of the process. From the choice of barley to the intricacy of bespoke cask production and selection, and knowing each cask intimately as it matures. It’s holistic whisky-making.
– Nigel Mills: co-founder of The Lakes Distillery
A series of bottlings will follow, with the architecture of each release evolving in keeping with The Lakes increasing sherry-cask influence.
Launched on the 7th September, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 retails at £65 and can be bought from www.LakesDistillery.com where you can also discover more about The Lakes’ philosophy and holistic approach to whisky-making.
The Lakes Distillery
Situated on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, the site attracts over 100,000 visitors a year.
The distillery has twice been named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign. The visitor centre, bistro and tour holds Visit England’s Gold accolade and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.
The portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka; and 2019 has been another successful year with The Lakes receiving eight prestigious World Liqueur Awards:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE, Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Silver Award) – The Lakes Damson Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur
World’s Best Coffee Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Espresso Vodka Liqueur
