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Sampling The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7: A Masterpiece For The Enjoyment Of The Taste Buds!

September 29, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7

Unveiled at The Whisky Show London, The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7 is a refined and fragrant finale to what has become an internationally award-winning series of sherry-led single malts!

Non-chill filtered, natural colour, and bottled at 52% ABV

Matured in the finest Oloroso, PX and red wine casks, comprising Spanish and American oak, No.7 is “a celebration of the whiskies that came before it”, sharing rich layers of honeyed fruits, hints of cocoa nibs, and dark chocolate with the familiar buttercream texture and character of previous editions, evolved with an elegant sweetness.

As the first English distillery to be awarded the coveted title “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” (World Whiskies Awards 2022, for The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4), The Lakes’ modern approach places flavour creation at the heart of everything they do.

With multiple layers of flavour designed through the art of élevage, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7 draws to a close a series that charts a journey of exploration of maturation and oak for The Lakes; one that will lead to the release of an enduring signature style for The Lakes’ Single Malt in 2024.

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 “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7” English Single Malt Whisky (52%)

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.7 draws to a close a series that charts a journey of exploration of maturation and oak for The Lakes

Nose: Syrupy, stewed, fruits with vanilla. Some attractive shades of citrus including lime and there’s also dusky rooms and furniture polish – all adding up to a great treat for the nose!

Palate: Sugary prunes, forest fruits coupled with smooth creamy chocolate limes.

Finish: Heavily spiced with some added chilli. Pleasantly, this is combined with some nice fruity toffee and a little salt.

Overall: It’s been a sensory joy to sample each Whiskymaker’s Reserve over the years and like the previous drams – this one doesn’t dissapoint. Truly, a masterpiece for the enjoyment of the taste buds!

Non-chill filtered, natural colour, and bottled at 52% ABV, the new expression is available for £85 from LakesDistillery.com

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

  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

The Lakes were the first English distillery to be awarded the coveted title “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky”



About The Lakes Distillery:

Established in 2011, The Lakes Distillery is a design-led whisky maker. Pushing boundaries in pursuit of flavour creation, they adopt a modern approach, reframing their craft through a forward-looking lens.

Nestled on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, the distillery attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually to experience and explore their home; and has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 – the highest award for excellence in English tourism.

Respecting tradition but refusing to be bound by it, The Lakes Distillery is open to new worlds of inspiration. Drawing inspiration from the art of élevage, not only do they look at what whisky is, they explore what it can become, and it is this approach to maturation and flavour creation that sets them apart.

The journey, so far:

• 2011 – The Lakes Distillery plc was founded by Paul Currie and Nigel Mills CBE.
• 2012/2013 – Renovation of an old Victorian model dairy farm took place to build a state-of-the-art distillery.
• 2014 – New make spirit flowed in the Lake District for the first time on 16 December.
• 2015 – The distillery was officially opened by Princess Anne in July.
• 2016 – Dhavall Gandhi joined The Lakes team to help lay the foundations for a sherry-led signature style.
• 2018 – Genesis, The Lakes’ first single malt whisky, broke three Guinness World Records at auction.
• 2019 – On 7 September, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 was launched; the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that showcase The Lakes’ sherry-led signature style and The Lakes Single Malt Whisky won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), and the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).
• 2020 – The Lakes was named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain”.
• 2021 – The first of a series of whiskies exploring flavour creation was released; The Whiskymaker’s Editions and production capacity at the distillery tripled to 400,000 LPA.
• 2022 – Following a cluster of international honours for their single malt, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4 was named “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” in 2022 at the World Whiskies Awards.
• 2023 – Sarah Burgess, former Lead Whiskymaker for The Macallan, joined the business as the new whiskymaker and James Pennefather, former Regional MD at William Grant & Sons, as CEO.

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

Sampling Lakes Distillery: The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Iris’ – A Quality Whisky With Bags Of Fruity Flavour!

April 28, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Iris’

The latest Whiskymaker’s Edition, ‘Iris’ has been released and is a true departure from The Lakes’ classic sherry-led signature style!

‘Iris’ is a quality whisky with bags of flavour!

Inspired by the stunning Himalayan town of Gulmarg, which means “meadow of flowers,” this bold expression represents The Lakes’ spirit of adventure as it ventures into the creation of intensely tropical and modern flavour profiles.

Iris is a lively and uplifting experience that turns up the sensory volume to the max, transforming the mundane into a vibrant display of colours, aromas and flavours.

With its fruity and floral notes, including freshly-harvested red apples, juicy pears, and fragrant honeysuckle, ‘Iris’ is a spectrum of flavours bottled at 56% ABV and non-chill filtered, and it is available at The Lakes Distillery and select whisky retailers worldwide!

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 ‘Iris’ English Whisky (56%)

Nose: Crisp apple and plump, summer fruits with some white wood. There’s also toffee coming through at the back and hints of tropical fruits for company.

Palate: A creamy palate of fresh apple and those plump, summer fruits joined by honeydew melon and tropical flavours.

Finish: Sweet spices with some punchy black pepper which gives a tasty counterpoint to the sugary fruitiness.

Overall: A very morish quality to this dram with the lighter fruits and heavier spice combining perfectly. Ideal as a perfect Summer evenings dram – or just great anytime when you fancy a quality whisky with bags of flavour!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

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

Lakes Distillery Releases “Elements” – Their First Whiskymaker’s Project!

March 30, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Elements

The Lakes Distillery offers an insight into the mind of a whiskymaker with Elements!

Designed as a library of whisky learnings, Elements shares a rare glimpse into the mind of a whiskymaker as they embark on a journey to create a new single malt whisky.

Only 1,386 Elements libraries have been produced …

Originating long before The Lakes Distillery ever released a single malt, their first “Whiskymaker’s Project” began chronicling the research undertaken to understand how the theory of sherry cask maturation would translate to a new distillery.

Focusing upon the impact oak has on whisky’s flavour creation, Elements seeks to expand on a deep understanding of sherry wine as it studies the micro-climate and how New Make Spirit behaves with different sherry-seasoned oak casks.

Understanding how the theory of sherry cask maturation translates to the surrounds of the Lake District and with our New Make Spirit was a fundamental step toward establishing our oak-led maturation philosophy and designing a new sherry-led single malt.
– DHAVALL GANDHI

Delving deep into the oak’s treatment, its seasoning and how each variation imparts a very different characteristic style to the whisky, Elements explores flavour, aroma and texture to give a snapshot of the distinct role seven sherry-seasoned oak casks can play: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Cream, PX, and Oloroso.

Inspired by a simple question, to see what would happen if the idea of flavour creation in whisky was turned on its head, only 1,386 Elements libraries have been produced.

Individually numbered and accompanied by a Book of Elements offering a background to each sherry wine and how it interacts, Elements gives a unique insight into the way whisky is designed at The Lakes and the cask laydown needed to create the complex flavours and profile of The Lakes Single Malt Whisky.

Now available in the UK at specialist whisky retailers and LakesDistillery.com, Elements: A Whiskymaker’s Project contains seven 20cl bottles of single malt whisky, each at 54% ABV, and retails for £500.

Alongside the accompanying book, registered owners also receive online access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including an audio conversation between whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi and The Lakes’ commercial director Kirsty Taylor, discussing the project in more depth.

Designed as a library of whisky learnings, Elements shares a rare glimpse into the mind of a whiskymaker

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, New Arrivals, News

Sampling The Lakes Distillery New Release: “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – A Very Welcome Dram Indeed!

March 16, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – A Very Welcome Dram Indeed!

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is the penultimate release in The Lakes Distillery’s journey to define a signature style!

An intensely aromatic evolution, the new sherry-led single malt retains the bold and complex characters The Whiskymaker’s Reserve is known for, bringing rich new flavours to the fore.

No.6 is Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV

Delving deep into the subtleties of flavour creation, No.6 explores multi-layered nuances, turning the spotlight on exotic spices and gentle rose fragrance to create a distinctly different mood from its predecessors.

More flavour-driven, with a focus on accentuating notes of wood spice, it has been principally matured in bespoke-made Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, hand-crafted from Spanish and American oak, and designed through the art of élevage and blending expertise.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is available from LakesDistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers, with a recommended retail price of £85.

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 Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 (52%)

Nose: Intensely sherried (as highlighted in it’s colour!) and, surprisingly, cherries! Demerera sugar, caramel, creamy strawberries, mint and hints of rose – WoW!

Palate: Sherry and red wine in luscious abundance! Sugary caramel, creamy strawberries.

Finish: A tasty, peppery spice with some grapefruit and woodiness but the fruity creaminess is still there.

Overall: A fruit cocktail of a dram or maybe a sherry trifle of a dram! Whichever, it’s a taste sensation that always makes me wish the sample I was sent was a little bit larger! A whisky with a variety of flavours not always seen in a sherry-type dram – and that is a very welcome thing indeed!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

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

The Lakes Distillery Releases “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – An Intensely Aromatic Evolution!

March 2, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The ‘Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is the penultimate release in The Lakes Distillery’s journey to define a signature style!

An intensely aromatic evolution, the new sherry-led single malt retains the bold and complex characters The Whiskymaker’s Reserve is known for, bringing rich new flavours to the fore.

No.6 explores multi-layered nuances, turning the spotlight on exotic spices and gentle rose fragrance to create a distinctly different mood from its predecessors

Delving deep into the subtleties of flavour creation, No.6 explores multi-layered nuances, turning the spotlight on exotic spices and gentle rose fragrance to create a distinctly different mood from its predecessors.

More flavour-driven, with a focus on accentuating notes of wood spice, it has been principally matured in bespoke-made Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, hand-crafted from Spanish and American oak, and designed through the art of élevage and blending expertise.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is available from LakesDistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers, with a recommended retail price of £85.

To celebrate the release, The Lakes Distillery has partnered with renowned mixologists from some of the UK’s most exclusive bars to design a series of serves underlining flavour’s role in influencing your mood.

Taking over summer cocktail menus in Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, The Stafford’s American Bar, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, The Lanesborough’s Library Bar, The Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental, and The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel, like The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6, the curated collection of cocktails tell a story through the art of flavour creation.

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, New Arrivals, News

Sarah Burgess Appointed As New Whiskymaker At The Lakes Distillery!

January 11, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Sarah Burgess

In a creative shake-up to its whisky-making team, The Lakes Distillery has appointed Sarah Burgess to be its new Whiskymaker!

Former Lead Whiskymaker at The Macallan, Sarah’s time at Edrington focused on whisky range creation, innovation, and quality control for one of the world’s most revered single malts. And it was Sarah’s expertise that helped to design The Macallan Genesis, The Anecdotes of Ages Collection with Sir Peter Blake, and establish a global collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute™.

On leaving her role as creative director at The Craigellachie, where Sarah has been crafting a luxury lifestyle collection of drinks telling the story of Speyside at one of the world’s oldest whisky hotels, Sarah brings more than 25 years of whisky-making passion and knowledge to The Lakes Distillery at a time when they are accelerating production and planning for rapid international growth.

I was intrigued by The Lakes as a new distillery but one creating such high-quality whisky, I am excited to be part of a new and innovative operation and I am sure between my creativity and the quality casks we have in maturation that many great whiskies will follow.
– Sarah Burgess

We are delighted to welcome Sarah to our team. Not only does she bring a wealth of experience and creativity, but Sarah’s inclusive desire to guide, support, and develop our existing whiskymaking team is something we are very excited about.

With an acute understanding of the complete whiskymaking process, Sarah’s hands-on approach to taking concepts from inception through to creation aligns flawlessly with our whiskymaking philosophy. It is a very exciting time for us all.
– Nigel Mills: Co-founder at The Lakes Distillery

Having also worked at Diageo for more than two decades, managing the Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries, Sarah’s love for the whisky industry, and in particular sherry casks, will be invaluable as she takes over the top job from Dhavall Gandhi who, in January 2022, opened an eponymously named whisky consultancy alongside his role at The Lakes.

Dhavall has played an instrumental role in what has been an extraordinary journey for The Lakes over the past five years, culminating in The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4 being named the “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards.

Dhavall has dedicated himself artistically to the distillery and helped us to forge a clear vision and philosophy for our whiskymaking. For that, we will be forever grateful.
– Tim Farazmand: Chairman at The Lakes Distillery

Sarah Burgess joined The Lakes Distillery on Thursday 5th January, working together with Dhavall to hand over The Lakes’ 2023 bottlings before taking over responsibility for all whiskymaking operations.

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, News, Whisky

Sampling The Lakes Distillery Latest Release: The Whiskymakers’ Editions ‘Infinity’ – A Whisky Designed For The Curious…

September 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Infinity – a whisky designed for the curious…

The Lakes Distillery has released The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Infinity’ – a whisky designed for the curious!

Unlocking a new dimension with every sip, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity is inspired by a never-ending fascination with the interconnectedness of fragrance and flavour.

Designed for the curious whisky drinker, this single malt is described by its maker to “stimulate profound thought” and “offer a unique experience” as it delves deep into the notion that everything in nature is entwined in a state of perpetual motion, leading to somewhere new.

Available online and from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022

Matured in a multitude of The Lakes Distillery’s finest sherry butts, including rare Palo Cortado seasoned American oak casks, it is the art of blending, carefully layering complimentary and contrasting flavours, and learnedly counterbalancing aromas that makes it possible for Infinity to appear in a state of constant evolution on both the nose and palate.

Simultaneously complex and enigmatic, bewildering and delightful, each inimitable taste entices you to go deeper and deeper into a metaphorical rabbit hole of flavours, offering the opportunity to explore infinite ever-changing combinations that make it difficult to define where they come from and where they lead.

Created with a modern approach and a wide variety of exceptional sherry casks, Infinity is a whisky that offers a unique experience.

With layer upon layer of continuously changing aromas and flavours, perfectly balanced and each jostling to shine through, it is a complex whisky that unlocks a different dimension with every sip. As one door closes, another one opens up in this constantly evolving whisky.
– Dhavall Gandhi: Whiskymaker at The Lakes Distillery

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity will be available this weekend at the Whisky Show London. Following the show, it will be available online and also from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022.

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 Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Infinity’ (52%)

Nose: Heady shades of lemon citrus and orange with sugary cane syrup, banoffee pie and creamy chocolate.

Palate: Creamy, sherried notes with luscious toffee, chocolate and a little citrus.

Finish: Smooth with a lovely punchy, slightly dry, peppery finish.

Overall: This is a super dram and really recommended – possibly one of the best Lakes Distillery expressions I’ve ever tasted!

Great flavours abound and the ABV, though high, is not harsh at all. I’d say this is certainly a dram to take you to infinity – and maybe even beyond!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

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

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections” – Easy To Enjoy – Very Quick To Disappear!

September 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a single malt whisky, designed in collaboration by The Lakes Distillery and Simon Rogan

In collaboration with Simon Rogan, owner of Lake District restaurants including three Michelin starred L’Enclume, Rogan & Co and Henrock, along with destinations in London and Hong Kong, The Lakes Distillery has designed a limited-edition single malt whisky to celebrate 20 years of the group’s past accomplishments, present triumphs, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

A limited-edition whisky created to mark Simon Rogan’s 20th anniversary as a chef/patron

Reflecting an evolutionary journey from the opening of Simon’s first restaurant L’Enclume, to the creation of his Cartmel Valley farm ‘Our Farm’ a few years later, to what is now his eight-strong restaurant portfolio across two continents, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a modern interpretation of a classic, inspired by a moment of contemplation amid the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Grounded by earthly connections, a sense of place, and a desire to develop a harmonious relationship between the whisky’s flavours and the sustainable ethos and experience that keeps Rogan at the pinnacle of modern British dining, Reflections is a restrained, elegant and light whisky, but also incredibly vibrant.

Working with The Lakes Distillery on this special collaboration has been an absolute pleasure, especially since we have created something that celebrates our beautiful home in the Lake District.

Reflections is not only an embodiment of The Lakes but also a moment of gratitude and reflection on what has been achieved over the past two decades alongside everything that we have to look forward to.
– Simon Rogan

Suggestive of the autumnal Lake District in character, on tasting Reflections, spiced pumpkin and fragrant wood spice evolve into apple compote, warming cinnamon, and a long, reflective finish.

Bottled at 54% ABV, every bottle is non-chill filtered, natural in colour, and available to enjoy in Simon Rogan’s restaurants, at LakesDistillery.com and as part of November’s Home by Simon Rogan menu.

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 ‘Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections’ single malt whisky (54%)

Nose: Toffee apple, creamy cane sugar with a little lemon citrus and biscuit.

Palate: Dry, cane sugar sweetness with rich dark toffee.

Finish: Spicy and warming with an astringent grapefruit finish.

Overall: An easy going whisky with some great signature Lakes Distillery flavours. Easy to enjoy – very quick to disappear!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

SIMON ROGAN

Simon Rogan is an internationally renowned, award-winning chef, recognised as one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement.

In 2002, Simon opened his debut restaurant L’Enclume in The Lake District village of Cartmel, with a focus on hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant currently holds three Michelin stars, the top spot in the Good Food Guide and five AA Rosettes.

In 2017, Simon was recognised as the AA chef of the year and is currently president of the Bocuse d’Or UK team. Simon opened Rogan & Co, his second venture in Cartmel in 2008 which won its first Michelin star in 2018 and currently holds three AA Rosettes. In 2011, Simon established Our Farm in The Lakes, which provides the restaurant group with high-quality, sustainable produce. In 2016, Simon launched Aulis Cartmel, a six-seater chef’s table experience. A London outpost of Aulis arrived in October 2017 as a stand-alone dining destination, an eight-seater chef’s table experience in central Soho.

Simon expanded his restaurant portfolio to Hong Kong, opening Aulis in January 2019 and Roganic in February 2019. In 2002 he opened The Baker & The Bottleman, a bakery and natural wine bar. Roganic Hong Kong was awarded its first Michelin star in December 2019. Simon opened Henrock in October 2019, an informally elegant restaurant set within Linthwaite House, a contemporary country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District. In 2020, in response to the global pandemic, the group launched Home by Simon Rogan, Simon’s delivery offering, providing regularly changing three-course ‘at home’ dining experiences created in The Lakes.

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

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5” – Made With The Art Of Elevage!

May 6, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5

On a journey to define their signature style, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is the latest in what has become an internationally award-winning series of single malt whiskies made by The Lakes Distillery!

Matured in the finest, bespoke Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, comprising Spanish and American oak, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is an elegant and Moorish evolution, possessing the same sherry-led, wood-forward characteristics as its predecessors.

Now available throughout the UK!

Drawing inspiration from Cognac’s cellarmasters, The Lakes has taken the art of élevage to create a whisky with complexity and depth. Rather than sealing the oak and waiting for the result, unlike other distilleries, they take an active involvement that requires patience and time, and an intimate understanding of how the flavours in each cask are developing.

By frequently effecting change throughout the whisky’s maturation, whether by moving a cask’s location, or transferring the spirit between casks, The Lakes seek to evolve an array of intriguing layers of flavour from which they can blend the final whisky.

With The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5, we wanted to create a whisky with a similar sherry-led profile to previous releases, but with certain characters restrained to achieve a textural refinement.

This is a whisky with seductively aromatic notes of dark chocolate and dried fruits, and a smooth finish with intricate layers of wood spice.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes’ whiskymaker

To celebrate the release of The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 and to connect the complexity of élevage with the simplicity of enjoying flavoursome whisky, The Lakes Distillery sought the imagination of some of the best Old Fashioned makers in the world.

By adding a twist to the traditional, layering complementary and contrasting flavours, and integrating personal influences within the recipe, mixologists from Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, The Goring Cocktail Bar, The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, and The Northall Bar at Corinthia London have used The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 to develop their own delectably delicious takes on the eminent Whisky Cocktail.

The result is a series of sophisticated and dramatically different serves, each designed to tell a story through the art of flavour creation, and available to enjoy from 1 June throughout the summer at any of these world-renowned bars.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is now available from LakesDistillery.com and throughout the UK with a recommended retail price of £70

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

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 Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 (52%)

Nose: A bit shy on the nose at first but there’s creamy, silky vanilla with spiced apples and hints of spice. Later on I detect slightly tropical fruits with mint.

Palate: Creamy, sherried fruits with chocolate and some coffee.

Finish: Sweet spices with shades of wood but it’s also peppery and gets more so with time.

Overall: A delicately balanced dram. Very fine with a subtleness to it’s flavours that’s very welcome in this world of taste-bud overkill!

The Lakes Distillery sought the imagination of some of the best Old Fashioned makers in the world!

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, Whiskymaker’s Reserve, Whiskymakers Reserve

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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