Reviewing the Lakes Distillery Range
Here at Great Drams, while it may be Scotch that tends to enjoy most of the limelight, regular readers of the blog will know that we also like to give plenty of other drams the attention they deserve.
English whisky for example, may not be anywhere near as widespread or established as Scotch, yet we are still seeing an increase in the amounts of English distilleries popping up. As you’ll all no doubt agree, more whisky distilleries can only be a good thing.
For today’s range review, we’re travelling to one of the UK’s most popular and picturesque destinations, the scenic Lake District National Park. Renowned for its rolling hills and mountains, lush green pastures, postcard villages, and of course, the lakes themselves, it’s a truly gorgeous part of the world that everybody needs to visit at least once in their lives.
Another reason to visit of course, is due to The Lakes Distillery. Founded in 2014 by Paul Carrie, it has undergone extensive expansion over the years and was purchased by Nyetimber in 2024. The distillery produces a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and of course, whisky.
Here’s a quick look at four of their most popular expressions.
As the name implies, The Lakes Signature single malt is the dram that this Cumbrian distillery is best known for. The distillery’s ‘Signature’ range has proved a huge hit with whisky fans, and this sherry bomb is no exception.
Matured in a selection of Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks, to an ABV of 47%, this non-chill filtered whisky is a gorgeous chestnut bronze colour. It looks lavish and sophisticated, but how does it taste?
On the nose you get toasted pecan and hazelnuts, maple syrup, rich dried fruits, leather, scorched oak, and a whisper of dark chocolate orange.
On the palate the sherry notes are evident immediately. You get strong notes of raisin, sultana, figs, and dates, coupled with poached pears, treacle tart and vanilla ice cream. There’s also a citrussy twang to it, along with more sweet oak.
The finish is drawn out and heavy on the fruity notes. There’s a touch of autumn baking spices and black treacle right at the end. Very moreish this one!
You’ll find it harder to lay your hands on this dram, because it was the distillery’s first single malt produced exclusively for the Global Travel Retail market.
Created by the brilliant Sarah Burgess, using a combination of American and European oak Oloroso sherry casks, the dram is testament to the skills and expertise that goes into producing such an exquisite drop. It also shows just how far the Global Travel Retail market has come.
On the nose, strong aromas of dried fruits, aromatic herbs and spices, cedar wood, orange oil, and white pepper. As these dissipate, milder scents of tobacco, leather, and black forest gateaux enter the fray and make their presence felt.
The finish is lengthy and provides plump fruits, toasted almonds, and a touch of date and honey. No harsh alcohol notes here, despite the 48% ABV. It’s deceptively smooth.
As par of their ‘The Whiskymaker’s Editions’ Nostalgia is a dram designed to evoke all manner of happy memories. As they say, it’s a ‘sensory trip down memory lane’, and boy, what a trip it is.
Using a combination of ex-Bourbon casks, along with the Oloroso sherry casks that have almost become their trademark, it’s complex, it’s fruity, it’s spicy, and it’s nostalgic in equal measure.
On the nose, you get transported into a quaint little sweetshop somewhere in Ambleside, as your nose is met with a cavalcade of scents and aromas. There’s cherry blossom, vanilla, chocolate limes, lemon sherbet, caramel brittle, and milk chocolate. At first, you’d be mistaken for assuming the 49% ABV is giving off harsh alcohol notes. Sniff again however, and you’ll discover that it’s actually pear drop sweets that you’re smelling.
On the palate there are those trademark sherry notes in the form of figs, dates, sultanas, and raisins. These are tied together beautifully by rich orchard fruits, winter baking spices, caramel, butterscotch, white chocolate and vanilla pannacotta, and orange zest.
The finish is medium and is heavier on the oak than I was expecting. This is balanced perfectly by notes of cherry drop sweets (not the ones that taste of washing up liquid. You know what I mean) and dark chocolate coated raisins.
Finally, another from ‘The Whiskymaker’s Editions’ is Equinox.
Inspired by the changing of the seasons, as late summer fades and gives way to autumn, this is a dram that encourages you to embrace change, not fear it.
I’m very much of the belief that different drinks taste better at different times of the year, and this dram is testament to that.
On the nose, you get freshly baked apple and cinnamon pie, burnt orange, sandalwood, juicy tinned apricots, nutmeg and clove. There’s a hint of honey to be found too.
On the palate, floral orange blossom and heather honey shine through, coupled with intense fruity flavours and freshly baked gingerbread cookies. There’s a sprinkling of dark chocolate and toffee apple as well.
The finish is short, sweet, and smooth as silk thanks to its 46.6% ABV. There’s stewed apples and overripe orchard fruits, pumpkin spice latte, and blackberry compote. If you enjoy your autumn flavours, get this dram!
If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer.
With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.
Greg
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