The Lakes Distillery has released Whiskymaker’s Reserve No. 3, the third expression in its Whiskymaker’s Reserve series, which features single malt Whisky matured in various Sherry casks. The Cumbria-based brand launched the series last September to huge success, selling out their first two releases.
The Lakes Distillery wants to define a sherry-led house style for their single malt and are doing so through their Whiskymaker’s Reserve line. The first bottling in the series was matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez (PX) and red wine casks, comprising American, Spanish and French oak, making for a vibrant, robust and cask strength introduction. Number two, meanwhile, possessed a much more refined and elegant character.
Whiskymaker’s Reserve No. 3 is a single malt whisky, matured in PX, Oloroso, Cream Sherry, and red wine casks. Boasting an aromatic and seductive influence, the nose is rich and fragrant, scented with incense, spiced chocolate and toffee. With accompanying flavours of honey, figs, and wood spice on the palate, it leaves a long, warm and lingering finish.
“To create our sherry-led house style we use a variety of sherry casks, with a significant proportion being first-fill,” explained Lakes Distillery whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi. “The spectrum of flavours achieved through the use of these casks is layered through blending to create the depth and complexity associated with The Whiskymaker’s Reserve. Each expression is then married over twelve months, allowing the flavours to gently integrate and develop.
“In the case of Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.3, I have used Oloroso, Cream and PX casks in combination with a small number of red wine casks, to contrast some of the dried-fruit characters and create the aromatic top-note and seductive texture.
“Whiskymaking is an additive process. You add, create, and control the flavours at every small step, and, at The Lakes, I am fortunate to have a complete overview of the end-to-end whiskymaking process. From start to finish, my approach is much more holistic, meaning I can nurture and develop the flavours that are created in the early stages until the very end. This is what sets our whisky apart.”
Priced at £65 (US$81.60) per 700ml bottle, the Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.3 is available on The Lakes Distillery’s website and is limited to 9,700 bottles. It is bottled at 54% ABV and is non-chill-filtered and naturally coloured.
