Introducing & Sampling The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” From The Lakes Distillery!

The Whiskymaker’s Editions, Colheita

A diversion from their sherry-led house style, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is the first in a series of special-edition single malt whiskies from The Lakes Distillery which showcase whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi’s sense of adventure in maturation and blending.

Each unique bottling is an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free, coming together to realise one intrinsic objective: the creation of outstanding flavours.

Each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour

In exploring an alternative side of The Lakes Single Malt, the inaugural release brings Colheita Port’s influence into the frame.

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest” and in this case, is a supreme and exceptionally rare expression of aged Tawny Port made exclusively of grapes from a single vintage.

Smooth and refined, maturation in the finest, meticulously sourced Colheita Port casks has been complemented by a very small proportion of Bourbon barrels to enhance and contrast certain flavour characteristics.

The Whiskymaker’s Editions is an intentional deviation from our house style, created to showcase a different personality of The Lakes Single Malt.

This particular expression has been designed to be a little more fun, fruity and easy to drink and, as a limited-edition, is perfect for anyone who appreciates The Lakes’ house style but wants to experience and explore the other side of The Lakes Single Malt.

My role as a whiskymaker is to unlock the infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities throughout the liquid’s journey through the distillery and, in the future, more Editions will follow.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes whiskymaker

At 52% ABV and with a recommended retail price of £65, each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and available from LakesDistillery.com

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (thanks!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)

Colour: Light sherry with a dash of porty redness in there!

Nose: Immediate porty flavours with some apple & orange. The port becomes sweeter with time and there’s hints of wood polish.

Palate: Creamy, stewed fruits with an almost Christmasy feel to it with some light port flavours.

Finish: Warming finish that’s punchy and spicy but not too brutal – very smooth indeed!

Overall: A lovely, smooth dram that belies it’s 52% strength. It’s not overpowering so can be easily drunk neat.

I still think that there are strong hints of their familiar sherry-led house style but it’s not a criticism – I like their sherry-led house style!