The below tasting notes are taken directly from our recent Twitter tasting with The Lakes distillery, of their ‘The One’ Port and Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky.
The One Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky 46.6% ABV
“The One Collection is a range of fine blended whiskies showcasing the role of innovative cask seasoning in flavour elevation.
– The Lakes distillery
Limited to only 2,994 bottles in the UK, this release of The One is a showcase of flavours derived from first-fill American oak casks, seasoned with an exceptionally rare aromatised wine, known as ‘Vino de Naranja’ from Huelva in Andalucía.
Non-chill filtered for a richer mouthfeel and fuller flavour, with only the natural colours derived from our oak casks in every bottle. This release of The One is a singular blend of select grain and malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside and Islay with The Lakes Single Malt at its heart.”
Appearance: It’s a lovely colour, seems cliche, but it’s quite orange!
Nose: The nose is lovely and fresh. There’s a zesty edge to it, but also leather some herbs too. A mixture of fruits. Tropical fruit notes and also a bit of red apple. There’s some confectionary sugar too, which balances any sharpness from the fruits. It’s a very pleasant nose.
Some oakiness at the back, underpinning everything. Just humming along…..the longer the glass matures, the more evident that oak is on the palate. Evolving nicely!
There are 2 different orange wines, so distilleries may have used them, however we use the exceptionally rare ‘Vino de Naranja’, where Seville orange peel is macerated into a grape-based spirit and matured in American oak casks.#thewhiskeychaps
— The Lakes Single Malt (@LakesWhisky) January 21, 2021
Palate: Lovely buttery mouthfeel. Initial hit of alcohol disperses quickly to leave dark chocolate and orange peel. There’s a feint smokiness to it, it’s minimal but it’s there. Adds another layer of flavour and complexity to the whisky.
Finish: The finish is a continuation of the choclate orange but with the orange dialled up a tad. The sugar lingers too.
Overall: Overall I’m impressed with this one. A very nice and unique whisky, tempted to order a bottle!
The One Port Cask Finished Whisky 46.6% ABV
“This release of the One is a singular blend of select grain and malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside and Islay with The Lakes Single Malt at its heart, finished in first-fill Tawny and Ruby Port casks.
– The Lakes distillery
Non-chill filtered for a richer mouthfeel and fuller flavour, with only the natural colours derived from our oak casks in every bottle.”
Appearance: Nice rich auburn colour to this one. Nice legs in the glass, good viscosity!
“We have released 2 Port Cask Finishes since 2019 – so yes! The most recent (Sept 2020) is finished in first-fill Tawny and Ruby Port casks. The 2019 release was finished for one year in first-fill Tawny Port hogsheads from Portugal.”
– Millie Forster, The Lakes distillery
Nose: Thick, rich and indulgent. Full of dark fruits and jam. There a wood influence, slightly oaky, but the deep fruitiness definitely steals the show here. Leatheriness to this too, which I always identify with a distinguished whisky. It’s an air of quality in my mind.
Damp leaves on the nose, as I took a sip, very earthy.
The nose on the port finish is right up my alley! #thewhiskeychaps pic.twitter.com/exeLN53Oov
— Whisk(e)y Chap 🏴🥃 (@whiskeychap) January 21, 2021
Palate: I wouldn’t describe this as light, more deep and decadent. Salted fruit chocolate. This is a very Christmassy dram. I love the richness. It feels like you’re spoiling yourself with it.
Buttery, fruit pie with custard. A bit of the Christmas spices towards the back, mostly cinnamon
#thewhiskeychaps pic.twitter.com/VJtYZlwQ3d
— Whisk(e)y Chap 🏴🥃 (@whiskeychap) January 21, 2021
Finish: Medium but luxurious and silky. Dark fruits, spice and chocolate.
Overall: Another belter really. Very much enjoyed both of these drams. I’d tried the Whisky Makers reserve before and thought it tasted a bit ‘young’, but these were bang on the money. Excited to see what these guys do in the future!
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