“The Whiskymaker’s Editions is a series of one-off releases showcasing the sense of adventure of our whiskymaker.
The Whiskymaker’s Editions are a series of exceptional diversions from The Lakes sherry-led house style; an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free.
Iris reveals the world in a different light – a prismatic play of colours, aromas and flavours, where everything is turned up to the max and the everyday is suddenly transformed in a vivid multi-sensory explosion of fun.”
Released on Thursday 27 April, at 56% ABV Iris, sherry cask matured, is non-chill filtered, natural in colour and available in the UK
Appearance: Caramel gold. A thin beaded tide mark forms with plenty of medium trails forming that corrugated effect around the inside of the glass. Some long teardrops form after a time too.
An oozy inviting semi-viscous film clings to the glass.
Nose: the ABV is carried very well and is sympathetic to the aromas. Caramel, honey, oak and plenty of both orchard and tropical fruits. Blackberries and Jaffa Cakes appear next.
There’s a certain spiciness that balances against the fruitier notes nicely. Nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon especially.
Palate: Spice-forward (black pepper and cinnamon) with a vanilla cream and honey note balancing. A nice medium-full mouthfeel.
The second sip reveals more fruity elements, quite citrusy and fresh.
I really like the definitive layers that arise, one after the other. A good ‘story dram’. The berry notes from the nose also make a very welcome appearance on the palate. Plenty of blackberry, cherry and orange.
The further through the dram, the more that the fruitier side starts to come to the fore, never dominating though.
Finish: Medium to long. Filled with well-balanced flavours of apple, blackberry and orange, along with the honey and now subtle black pepper and cinnamon. There’s a fruity ‘zing’ right up until the very last moment of the finish, which is pleasing and moreish.
Overall: Very nice indeed. Great balance and a good Summer BBQ whisky for sure. Nice one!
