The fourth release in The Lakes Distillery’s Whiskymaker’s Reserve series has been matured in a combination of oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, as well as ex-red wine casks.
Appearance: Tizer orange, literally amber. Lovely thick legs and good oily coating.
Nose: Huge berry-forward nose initially, with that ABV providing thoughts of stewed fruits and compote. There’s a nice accompanying funk too. There’s an ashy ‘clean out the fire’ smokiness to this one too.
Leather and a more dusty note to this one.
Palate: Lovely oily mouthfeel. Spicy initially, a good ‘Kentucky hug’. The red wine cask influences most for me, with flashes of the sherry. Lots of deep rich berry and oaky flavours.
Again, there’s a slight ashiness to the palate, not smokey but drying and bark-like.
The ABV is definitely evident in this one, it’s a nice arming dram.
Finish: The finish is long with the ABV really holding on. Spice and some rich stewed berries.
Overall: Very nice, a nice balance and a great spectrum of aromas and flavours. Warms the chest and is very moreish.
