The WhiskyMakers Reserve No6 52% ABV (The Lakes Distillery UK).

An artistic exploration of our sherry led house style. The whiskymaker defines the architecture for each release as he unlocks infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities.

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 brings exotic spice and delicate fragrant character to the forefront whilst maintaining the bold style synonymous with The Whiskymaker’s Reserve. Matured in the finest, meticulously sourced Oloroso, PX and red wine casks, comprising Spanish and American oak, this complex and aromatic release transports you to the bustle of Moorish bazaars.

The Lakes Distillery

Appearance

It’s a lovely deep natural gold colour, heading towards burnished copper. The swirl,line is nice and thick and creates an all over film #thewhiskeychaps

Nose

Yes. lots of the expected sherry cask notes, lots of stewed dark fruits, it’s a little foresty too, with dunnage joining in. #thewhiskeychaps

Fig roll biscuits, cloves, one of those small hotel match books, and it’s coming across dusty too. I’m also getting a floral element atm, and the thick white topping on a Bakewell tart. #thewhiskeychaps

Palate

Nice mouthfeel, not overly oily but certainly not thin. Spices everywhere initially, i wouldn’t say hot though, and the ABV is very nice. Cherryade with black pepper, cinnamon with prunes, molasses with raisins. #thewhiskeychaps

The palate is lovely and warming, and as it cools the fruits from the red wine casks start to come through. Cocktail cherries, raspberry ripple ice cream, sweetened mocha, strawberry starburst sweets too. #thewhiskeychaps

There is hardly any drying here, and it’s now starting to move towards chocolate coated raisins, cigar leaves, and flat cola. #thewhiskeychaps

Finish

Long side of medium for me, and it’s definitely developed into darker heavier flavours. Dandelion and burdock, Pontefract and Eccles cakes, i’d say that it pushes towards a hazelnut flavour too. Ginger comes through, cardamom too. #thewhiskeychaps

My thoughts

I’m sure iv’e got to taste the four previous WhiskyMaker Reserve releases, and i have to say that iv’e enjoyed them all so far. Just before i actually get to nose new whiskies in a series i worry, i worry that the one i’m about to taste isn’t a let down. Thankfully this WhiskyMakers Reserve No6 is a good one. #thewhiskeychaps

I found the nose and palate delightful, and it has all i’d expect from a whisky matured in ex Px and Oloroso sherry butts. The part i liked best was the Red wine cask notes coming through once the initial spiciness cooled down a little, it develops rather nicely. The mouthfeel is also rather nice, and the ABV works well in my humble opinion. If the ABV had been stronger i think the spices would have lasted too long, and masked the fruitier notes from the Red wine casks. #thewhiskeychaps

I’d say this is another good release into the WhiskyMaker series. It’s different again, and it’s one i’d happily have a bottle of. Coming in at £85 it isn’t cheap, that’d be at the very top of what i’d pay for any bottle of whisky, but again i have to say i enjoyed it. Would i buy a bottle? if i had a good whisky budget available i would. #thewhiskeychaps

A sample of this whisky was very kindly sent to me by The Lakes Distillery, as usual this has no bearing on my tasting notes and thoughts.