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Archives for March 2022

Leeds Whisky Fest Is NEXT Saturday 9th. April!

March 31, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Leeds Whisky Fest is NEXT Saturday 9th April!

Rolling Social Events are pleased to announce the next wave of brands who will be joining in the festivities at the inaugural Leeds Whisky Festival, which will welcome guests for an afternoon or evening of tasting, learning and entertainment, taking place at Leeds’ historic Corn Exchange next month.

Joining previously announced sponsors Nikka, Starward, Woodford Reserve, Slane and Port Askaig will be Rolling Social Events’ new mixer sponsor, Three Cents. Inspired by bartenders for bartenders, their range of premium mixers will be providing the ultimate accompaniment for your whisky on the day. As well as bringing their quality mixers to Leeds Whisky Fest, Three Cents will also be partnering with Rolling Social for all of their future events including Leeds Rum Festival and their popular sipalong evenings. Other brands visiting Leeds on Saturday 9th April include Kavalan, Amrut, Benriach and Arbikie who will be bringing the world’s only rye scotch whisky to the festival.

Also joining the festival will be an array of international household names such as Jack Daniels, as well as homegrown brands including Filey Bay, which is brewed in Yorkshire, and The English Whisky Co.

New names join a packed line up of over 100 whiskies

A ticket to Leeds Whisky Festival will not only get you access to the festival but it will also cover attendees’ samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings – not to mention an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide. In addition to over 100 different whiskies that will be on show at the festival, a fully stocked bar will be available for anyone keen to opt for a local craft beer, as well as an excellent range of highball cocktails.

Previously announced sponsors Starward have confirmed that they will be bringing a number of limited edition spirits to the festival.

We are really looking forward to coming to Leeds Whisky Festival and sharing our Australian single malts. We will also be bringing several of our limited ‘Projects’ releases, including a Ginger Beer Cask finished whisky so be sure to swing by our stand if you are interested to learn more about whisky done different!
– Claire Morrow: Marketing Manager, Starward

Starward will also be hosting a masterclass entitled ‘Starward Whisky: Whisky done different’. Attendees will learn that Starward whiskies are, like their hometown of Melbourne in Australia; versatile, and…different. Join the UK Brand Ambassador for a tasting through their single malts and learn more about the impact of wine casks on their expressions and how they are not bound by the rules of the old-world whisky club.

Other masterclasses will come in the form of Speciality Brands’ ‘A History of Japanese Whisky’ and Edrington UK’s Naked Malt blending session. Distributor Speciality, who are bringing their brands Nikka, Kavalan and Amrut to the festival, will take whisky fans on a crash course tasting into the world of Japanese whisky with ambassador Nathan Shearer.

Attendees will learn the history and production methods whilst tasting incredible samples from the Nikka distillery. And anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at blending their own whisky will be in luck as Edrington UK’s Senior Whisky Specialist Mike Green will be hosting a hands-on session of whisky blending- participants will also be able to take their very own blended whisky away with them.

Here at Speciality Brands we’re absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the inaugural Leeds Whisky Fest, we’ve always worked very closely with bars, restaurants and retailers here and it’s great that there is now an event for us to come and talk to more people about our wonderful products.

We’ll be bringing a host of whiskies from all over the world and introducing people to some of the fantastic producers that we’re lucky enough to work with including Nikka, Michter’s, Elixir Distillers, Amrut, Kavalan and Waterford.
– Nathan Shearer: Whisky Ambassador, Speciality Brands

Food vendors on the day include Ooey Gooey Bakes and Mans Market. Ooey Gooey will be whipping up a host of sweet treats including bourbon brownies in collaboration with Woodford Reserve, which you won’t be able to try anywhere else. Mans Market will be bringing their unique dining experience to the festival, a combination of theatre and authentic Chinese food.

Punters can choose to head down to either the afternoon session (12-4pm) or the evening session (5-9pm) of Leeds Whisky Fest, with tickets available for £40

We’re thrilled to be part of the Leeds Whisky Festival and excited to bring our home grown brand of Chinese Street Food to the Whisky enthusiasts of Yorkshire. Mans Markets’ fun, street food vibe will let the drinkers feast in style whilst enjoying the quality brands on offer at the festival.
– Sophia Austen-Meek: Mans Market

We are delighted to be welcoming Leeds Whisky Festival to Leeds Corn Exchange. Following our popular Christmas Market with Rolling Social last year, we know that the festival will be a huge success. The Rum Festival is a firm favourite of Leeds, so we can’t wait to see how this new event is received from local whisky lovers.
: The Operational Team at Leeds Corn Exchange

Leeds Whisky Festival will take place on Saturday 9th April at Leeds Corn Exchange. Punters can choose to head down to either the afternoon session (12-4pm) or the evening session (5-9pm) of Leeds Whisky Fest, with tickets available for £40 at eventbrite.co.uk

Leeds Whisky Festival Masterclasses

Edrington UK – ‘Naked Malt Blending Session’
Heaven Hill – ‘Evolution of Bourbon’
Slane – ‘Deconstructed Irish Whisky’
Cask – ‘Starward Whisky: Whisky done different’
Woodford Reserve – ‘The Flavour of Bourbon’
English Whisky Co. – ‘Pioneers of English Whisky – Quarter Cask Festival Exclusives & more’
Ten Locks – ‘The Story of West Cork Distillers’
Nikka, Speciality Brands – ‘A History of Japanese Whisky’
Elixir Distillers – ‘An Introduction to Islay Whisky’

Filed Under: Leeds Whisky Fest, News, Whisky Festival

“Alluring and distinctive, soft and sensuous” – The Latest Stock From The SMWS!

March 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Alluring and distinctive, soft and sensuous”
Cask No: 68.75
Cask Type: 2nd fill charred red wine barrique
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£67.30

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!



“Spice wreck”
Cask No: 138.12

Cask Type: 1st fill #3 char barrel
Distillery: Omar (Nantou Distillery)
Origin: Taiwan
£88.74

Qty left: 101



“A big waxy apple”
Cask No: 26.198

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Clynelish
Origin: Scotland
£58.65

Qty left: 102



“Mudpie”

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

£65.00

Qty left: 103



“Complex and multifaceted”
Cask No: 78.56

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 104



“Grubby, dark and sinister”
Cask No: 53.403

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Caol Ila
Origin: Scotland
£70.38

Qty left: 105



“French oak rollercoaster”
Cask No: 100.35

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£55.40

Qty left: 106



“Alluring and distinctive, soft and sensuous”
Cask No: 68.75

Cask Type: 2nd fill charred red wine barrique
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£67.30

Qty left: 109



“Worth hunting down”
Cask No: 30.121

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenrothes
Origin: Scotland
£53.90

Qty left: 114



“Burning berries”
Cask No: 78.59

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Origin: Scotland
£54.00

Qty left: 121



“Salting and pickling”
Cask No: 44.150

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Craigellachie
Origin: Scotland
£88.20

Qty left: 124



“Petrichor galore”
Cask No: 63.81

Cask Type: 1st fill Spanish Oak ex-Oloroso butt
Distillery: Glentauchers
Origin: Scotland
£53.20

Qty left: 127



“Crumbled nuts on roasted ham”
Cask No: 4.302

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£68.00

Qty left: 128



“All three courses at once”
Cask No: 24.166

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Macallan
Origin: Scotland
£78.00

Qty left: 135



“Douro Cruise”
Cask No: SM0.12

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-port pipes & 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrels

£49.00

Qty left: 135



“Comfort and joy”
Cask No: 26.196

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Clynelish
Origin: Scotland
£57.50

Qty left: 139



“Fire in the hold!”
Cask No: 108.48

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Allt-a-Bhainne
Origin: Scotland
£51.00

Qty left: 146



“Beach hut bonkers”
Cask No: 135.34

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Inchmoan (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£86.00

Qty left: 157



“Full bloom”
Cask No: SM0.13

Cask Type: 1st fill Australian muscat barrique

£85.00

Qty left: 187

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Jameson Anthology Whiskies – Remastering The Past While Imagining The Future!

March 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still!

The whiskey makers at Midleton Distillery are proud to present The Jameson Anthology, a curated collection of unique limited-edition Irish whiskeys which draw inspiration from the past as well as imagining new possibilities!

Jameson Remastered, the first volume within The Jameson Anthology, celebrates the spirit of classic discontinued whiskeys, by reinventing them with modern techniques to deliver a new taste experience. The soon to be released second volume, Jameson Remixed, meanwhile will explore and experiment with new tunes from Jameson for an altogether different take on the classic Irish icon.

Retailing at €300 with a limited quantity of 2,220 bottles available through two online ballots

Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still, the first release within the Jameson Remastered Volume, is a reinvention of a much loved classic which was last produced in 2000 as a limited edition offering. This award-winning liquid is composed of three exceptional whiskey styles, spanning 15 to 17 years of maturation in carefully selected American bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. This single pot still whiskey raises a glass to history by featuring a significant contribution of sherry casks, paying tribute to traditional whiskey making in Bow Street Distillery.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller, takes guardianship of the new release in which he masterfully combined the original distilling methods with modern-day techniques. Whilst retaining a clear reference to Jameson’s unmistakably smooth DNA, the sherry casks bring together rich and fruity notes, paying homage to Ireland’s history, heritage and craftmanship whilst staying true to the original and remaining in tune with today.

The distinctive packaging of Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still is set to appeal to the nostalgia of Jameson fans across the globe, taking them on a journey from past to present. The bottle is wrapped in newspaper, with one side uncovering Jameson’s heritage and the other marking the present day and comes in recyclable honeycomb cardboard packaging.

It’s been more than two decades since the last Jameson 15 Year Old was created and it has been a great opportunity to remaster this classic whiskey.

For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to combine the traditional single pot still style with the strong influence of the sherry casks, which was integral to historic whiskey production. We’re confident to have developed a contemporary iteration of Jameson 15 Year Old that pays tribute to the torch bearers who put Irish whiskey on the map, whilst nodding to the current generation of talented craftspeople at Midleton Distillery. We can’t wait for Jameson fans to sip, savour and enjoy it to the very last drop.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

The Jameson Anthology, a curated collection of unique limited-edition Irish whiskeys which draw inspiration from the past as well as imagining new possibilities!

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the team to bring Jameson fans a new 15 Year Old that has been remastered for the modern day. The inclusion of the sherry casks creates incredibly rich flavours and an extra-long fusion of fruits and spices, in line with traditional pot still flavours that are known and loved.

We’re looking forward to continuing to delight fans with more to come within The Jameson Anthology, which we hope will be music to whiskey fans’ ears.
– Deirdre O’Carroll: Blender

Bottled at an ABV of 56.4%, Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still comes in a 500ml bottle and will retail at €300 with a limited quantity of 2,220 bottles available through two online ballots.

The first ballot will open to members of Barrel Club Midleton Distillery at 9am Irish Saving Time (IST) on Monday 4th April and the second ballot will open to all other whiskey fans at 2pm (IST) on Friday 8th April. Shipping to successful whiskey fans will take place from the end of April.
For the chance to get your hands on this unique bottle of Jameson 15 Year Old and to enter the ballot, visit and sign up now!

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Rich nutty tones, dark berries and ripe orchard fruits mixed with sweet woodland spices. Underlying hints of oak combined with dried herbs and traditional pot still flavours, all wonderfully balanced and complex.

Taste: Robust and spicy with the pot still influences to the fore accompanied by the oak’s tannins alongside silky, textured layers of sweet dairy fudge and vanilla. Soft fruit notes of cherry are intertwined with fig and plum.

Finish: A rich and lasting finish with the duo of fruit and spices lingering before the toasted oak’s drying tannins have the last word.

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, Jameson, New Arrivals, News, Whiskey

Kevin O’Gorman Crowned Master Distiller & Master Blender Of The Year At The Icons Of Whisky Awards!

March 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Whisky Magazine Managing Editor Damian Riley Smith, Irish Distillers Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, World Whisky Awards Director Anita Ujszaszi

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery has won the coveted title of Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2022, presented in a special ceremony in London on Thursday, March 24th.

O’Gorman was awarded the trophy in recognition of his contribution to the Irish Distillers portfolio and the wider Irish whiskey category since stepping into the role of Master Distiller in June 2020. Starting his career at Midleton in 1998, O’Gorman worked as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, before honing his maturation skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks.

Since taking the helm, O’Gorman has facilitated the team’s continued commitment to innovation and experimentation within the Irish whiskey category, leading to a slew of noteworthy launches from the County Cork distillery.

A highlight of the Master Distiller’s tenure so far has been his opportunity to oversee the annual Midleton Very Rare Vintage, putting his own individual mark on the eagerly anticipated 2021 and 2022 expressions, both of which claimed Gold medals at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition.

This is an incredibly proud moment for me personally and for Irish whiskey which continues to establish itself as a leading spirit on the world stage.

This trophy is a tribute to my predecessors, who taught me so much, and the incredible team at Midleton Distillery today, whose boundless passion and dedication means we are able to produce award-wining whiskeys of unrivalled quality.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Filed Under: Icons of Whisky, Irish, Irish Distillers, Midleton, New Arrivals, News

It’s No Joke – The Whisky Exchange Releases A “Hidden” Whisky For April Fool’s Day!

March 29, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

It’s No Joke!

The Whisky Exchange is, once again, introduceing an exclusive, extra special whisky for April Fool’s Day. And like the best jokes, it may look simple upon first glance, but there’s a lot going on underneath!

Maintaining the mystery, the label of the bottle has been printed with an ink sensitive to UV light, hiding details until a torch, included with every purchase, reveals the hidden text.

The label is sensitive to UV light until a torch reveals the hidden text!

Key elements of this limited-edition whisky will remain hidden until 9.00am on Friday 1 April when all will be revealed!

What IS visible is a statement declaring ‘Extremely old, I wish I were younger’ as a teaser!

The Whisky Exchange has worked with one of the oldest names in Scottish distilling and so, despite its comparative youth, this fruity and very special April Fool’s 2022 whisky is wise beyond its years.

The distillery is celebrated as one of the most up-to-date in Scotland, marrying traditional production with green technology to create the country’s greenest operation.

53.2% ABV
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Available to purchase from The Whisky Exchange on Friday 1 April 2022, from 6am, while stocks last
Priced at £74.95

Filed Under: April Fools, New Arrivals, News, The Whisky Exchange

METHOD AND MADNESS Release Rare Trilogy Of Whiskies Inspired By Japan!

March 9, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

METHOD AND MADNESS UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE WHISKEY TRILOGY INSPIRED BY JAPAN!

Irish Distillers has unveiled an exclusive collection of Single Pot Still whiskeys, each finished in rare Japanese casks as the Masters and Apprentices behind METHOD AND MADNESS continue to combine tradition with innovation for a world class taste experience!

The limited-edition series features three showstopping Single Pot Still whiskeys including a 33-Year-Old finished in Japanese Mizunara oak for three years, and two other perfectly balanced expressions, finished respectively, in Japanese Chestnut and Japanese Cedarwood casks for over 13 months.

Sitting at the head of the collection, the 33-Year-Old Mizunara is the oldest Irish whiskey to be finished in the sought-after Japanese oak sourced from the Hokkaido region in Northern Japan, where the temperate rainforest creates the ideal growing conditions for the oak used for barrel production. The relatively low wood density and medium charring of the cask impart elevated flavours of nutmeg and vanilla to the single pot still distillate originally laid down for maturation in ex-bourbon barrels in 1988.

Just 252 bottles of METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask will be available

The whiskey was then refilled into this exceptional Mizunara cask for a further three years, resulting in a perfect harmony of spicy pot still and perfumed oak. Bottled at 52.8% ABV, just 252 bottles of METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask will be available globally at an RRP of €3,000 (700ml).

While the Mizunara Cask represents the generations of tradition and craftmanship in which whiskey making and Japanese culture are steeped, the two younger expressions highlight the innovation and experimentation for which the distillery is renowned. Each of the single pot still distillates were first matured in bourbon and sherry barrels before a finishing period in Japanese Cedarwood Casks (ABV 48%) – a world first for the Irish whiskey category – and Japanese Chestnut Casks (ABV 48%), marking a new first for the industry.

Stunning packaging, designed by Swedish-Irish design team M&E, brings the influence of the different wood finishes to life on pack with a traditional black and gold label for the Mizunara and brightly coloured designs, inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo, for the Cedarwood and Chestnut releases.

Elevating the trademark METHOD AND MADNESS marbling, the labels feature traditional Suminagashi designs – a Japanese marbling method dating back to the 12th Century. Each of the three expressions is also adorned with a unique kanji, or character, from traditional Japanese calligraphy describing the wood type and age of the liquids.

The Japanese Cedarwood expression is characterised by notes of eucalyptus and fresh botanicals, imparted by the exquisite cedar barrels traditionally favoured for Sake maturation. The cedar logs are sourced from the Kyushu region in southern Japan, where the warm wet conditions create a particularly fragrant and porous wood giving the whiskey its unique flavour profile of herbal tea, caraway seeds and clove spice alongside a delicate fruit finish.

Equally magnificent, the Japanese chestnut wood also hails from southern Japan, where the rocky terrain and abundant rainfall make for a relatively low wood density imparting notes of liquorice and lingering spice with flavours of orange zest and cooling menthol. METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks will be available in extremely limited quantities at the RRP of €95 (700ml).

Sprung from the minds of Masters and Apprentices, METHOD AND MADNESS is a whiskey that pays heed to tradition while exploring the unordinary. As the team’s continued quest for the uncommon cask led them, this time, to Japan, they connected with the esteemed Ariake Sangyo cooperage in Miyazaki. Working alongside these expert coopers, the team was able to procure a selection of rare and precious casks and ship them back to the Micro Distillery at Midleton, Co. Cork, for the final finishing phases of these three exceptional whiskeys.

Bringing these exceptional whiskeys to life has been a joyous journey of discovery, whilst working with each of the new wood types has continued to test and challenge our whiskey making skills. Whilst we were confident we could apply tried and tested maturation methods for the Mizunara Oak Cask, the porosity of the Cedar and Chestnut wood – or Sugi and Kuri in Japanese – presented new challenges which required close observation to achieve the perfect balance of contribution.

It’s an honour to share this first-of-its-kind collection as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey making.
– Eva O’Doherty: Distiller at the Micro Distillery

This truly exceptional trilogy represents not only our ambition and far-reaching partnerships with some of the world’s best cooperages, but three individual triumphs in skill and innovation – the ethos which continues to drive the METHOD AND MANDESS collection.

It’s with great pride that we share this with the world.
– Finbarr Curran: Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask is available now from specialist retailers in Ireland, France, UK, USA and global travel retail.
METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks will follow in late March.
The whiskeys will be available exclusively via the Whisky Exchange in the UK and distributed by Castle Brands in the USA from September 2022.

methodandmadnesswhiskey.com

@methodandmadness

Tasting Notes

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask

Nose: Coffee cake, toasted nuts, worn leather
Taste: Nutmeg, vanilla, wood tannins
Finish: Pot still spice, subtle fruits, fresh oak

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks
Nose: Eucalyptus, fresh botanicals, balsamic undertones
Taste: Herbal tea, caraway seeds, clove spice
Finish: Delicate fruits, sweet-scented wood, rich spices

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks
Nose: Peppermint leaves, caramelised almonds, ground pepper
Taste: Liquorice, orange zest, cooling menthol
Finish: Herbal fruits, roasted coffee, lingering spices

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices.

Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD)

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, METHOD AND MADNESS, New Arrivals, News, Whiskey

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Mosaic” – Inspired By The Silk Road – It’s A Path I Want To Follow!

March 4, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Sampling “Mosaic”!

The Lakes Distillery has created The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic” – a limited-edition single malt whisky!

Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road – the ancient intercontinental avenue of trade and cultural exchange – it brings together a sense of adventure from both East and West, uniting eclectic influences and flavours in a singular, sophisticated expression.

Inspired by the Silk Road, East meets West in The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic!

Created with carefully designed pockets of flavour from The Lakes’ bespoke collection of casks, Mosaic is the latest Edition to tell a story through the art of whisky creation.

The fusion of people, knowledge, ideas and cultural beliefs along the Silk Road has had a profound impact on the fabric of our society. This is our attempt to create a whisky with a flavour profile that is reminiscent of passage through its many pf ports and cities.

From crisp autumn days in the west, and the aromas of woodfire and spent leaves, Mosaic will lead you to the heady spice melange of Moorish bazaars and onwards into light, delicate oriental wood nuances that evoke a wisdom synonymous with Japanese temples.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery’s whiskymaker

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and 46.6% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic is now available from LakesDistillery.com and throughout the UK with a recommended retail price of £80

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

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

Tasting Notes – The Lakes Distillery Single Malt Whisky: The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic” (46.6%)

Nose: Fruity green apples, cane sugar, honey, caramel toffee with shades of woodiness and promises of a little spice.

Palate: Satisfying mouthfeel with rich, creamy fruits including apples with a little orange. Sugarcane sweetness with tasty toffee adds to the palate.

Finish: A much spicier finish that is more robust than I expected (and better for it!) married together with honey sweetness and a little tobacco dryness.

Overall: Mmm … a nicely balanced smooth dram with the flavours of sweet n’ spice battling it out – but in a polite way of course!

The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic”

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
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 Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky tasting

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