Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque”!
The fourth release in The Whiskymaker’s Editions series, Bal Masque is a showcase of The Lakes Distillery’s sense of adventure!
Paying homage to its risqué nature, this is not about playing safe and in transporting us to unchartered territories, the whiskymaker has masterfully conducted enigmatic French oak casks.
Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball. Flavours and aromas mingle like masked revellers with featherlight touches.
Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating.
When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.
54% ABV, Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour.
Available now from LakesDistillery.com – the RRP is £70
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: Lakes Distillery – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Bal Masque” (54%)
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Nose: Rich sherry with plump juicy raisins accompanied by crisp, crunchy apples. Creamy vanilla is joined later by sugary marzipan.
Palate: Creamy substantial mouthfeel with that ABV hitting you right between the taste buds! Luscious cane sweetness and plump raisins and toffee. Pleasant shades of chocolate mint and orange – lovely! Finish: A muted spice but the pepperiness is long and grows with time to become a force to be reckoned with. This together with the sweet, syrupy toffee fruits gives a very satisfying finish. Overall: An excellent dram – and highly recommended! Full of flavours and at a tasty strength. |
Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-
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
