It would be rude to go to a distillery and not sample their entire range of alcohol, right?! Luckily, our manners were intact when we visited The Lakes Distillery and we got the chance to try their gins, vodka, whisky and new range of liqueurs.
The ONE Whisky
40% ABV; £29.95 (70cl)
A blended whisky made using whiskies from across the British Isles and the placeholder for the distillery’s own whiskies.
TASTING NOTES: There is a slight honey on the nose with light spice and a tad of smokiness. Dried fruit comes through on the palate and ends in a gentle roasted nuttiness.
The ONE Whisky, Pedro Ximenez Finish
40% AVB; £39.95 (70cl)
A limited run of 5,252 bottles, this is a special expression of The ONE that has seen the blended whisky matured in Pedro Xinenex Sherry hogsheads.
TASTING NOTES: The initial nose is full of dried fruits with notes of fresh ginger, toffee, spice and gentle smoke. The palate is smooth with vanilla, raisin and nutmeg coming through. Wood and a smoky memory linger.
The Lakes Steel Bonnets
46.6%; £65.00 (70cl)
Blended from English and Scottish malt whiskies, this is a exciting new expression with a higher ABV.
TASTING NOTES: Creamy, nutty and full-bodied, with strong vanilla, fruit and smoke, held together with a comforting layer of wood smoke. More engaging than the ONE whiskies, this is a more refined whisky with a good deal of intrigue.
The Lakes Gin
43.7% ABV; £29.95 (70cl)
The first thing from The Lakes Distillery that we ever came across, we have a special place reserved in our heart for this gorgeous spirit.
TASTING NOTES: Fresh, bright and easy drinking with vibrant notes of juniper, lemon and orange peel. This is a highly quaffable gin to be drunk with a dash of tonic or on its own over ice.
The Lakes Gin Explorer Edition
47.1%; £39.95 (70cl)
Initially launched in the Summer of 2016 as a limited edition by The Lakes Distillery, the original 2,200 bottles sold out so rapidly and caused such a sensation that the decision was made to bring it into the family permanently.
TASTING NOTES: Zesty orange comes through on the nose, followed by coriander and cassia bark. Cracked black pepper and fresh Earl Grey tea is also noticeable. The first sip is smooth and herbal, with a complexity of spice and juniper carried through with herbaceous finesse. Gosh darn this is a good un!
The Lakes Vodka
40% ABV; £29.95 (70cl)
English wheat distilled using exceptionally pure water from the River Derwent in a decidedly artisanal manner.
TASTING NOTES: Full-bodied and ultra-smooth with hints of wheat and a clean finish.
The Lakes Rhubarb and Rosehip Gin Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
A very English liqueur made using award-winning The Lakes Gin.
TASTING NOTES: Layered and complex, with nostalgic rhubarb and fruity rose blended in a perfect balance with the gin. Not too sweet and rather refreshing with in a spritz.
The Lakes Elderflower Gin Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
An intriguing elderflower gin made using award-winning The Lakes Gin.
TASTING NOTES: One the nose, this is reminiscent of a childhood fruity sweet. Syrupy with a strong natural elderflower taste, this is simple and lovely.
The Lakes Damson Gin Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
Damsons have been carefully combined with award-winning The Lakes Gin.
TASTING NOTES: Light, delicate with cherry, ripe plum and floral characteristics that make us think of Summer. There is a gentle spice to this one and the juniper is still detectable.
The Lakes SloE Gin Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
A sloe gin made with the award-winning The Lakes Gin.
TASTING NOTES: Sweet but not cloying but slightly reminiscent of Benadryl. This isn’t our favourite but we can recognise the presence of the vibrant sloe berries. Perhaps a good cocktail ingredient but definitely not one to be drunk on its own for us.
The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
Salted Caramel Vodka made with the award-winning The Lakes Vodka.
TASTING NOTES: Absolutely gorgeous. We aren’t usually for flavoured liqueurs and fear the overly sweet but this is a stunner of a drink with an almost toffee scent and a smooth, developed, rounded and fudgy caramel yumminess.
The Lakes Espresso Vodka Liqueur
25% ABV; £27.95 (70cl)
Espresso Vodka made with the award-winning The Lakes Vodka.
TASTING NOTES: Another beauty. Surprisingly clear in colour, the richness of the coffee bean comes through and the sugar presence is not overpowering. This would make a phenomenal cocktail ingredient and we’re tempted to take one home to make espresso martinis with.
To buy The Lakes Distillery’s products, visit the online shop here.