The lakes Bal masque

After a tough work week, I decided to open this bottle. I'd been curious about The Lakes for some time and was quite doubtful, but a prior experience with Penderyn was surprisingly pleasant (though I understand this isn't typical), so I opted to try this. Nose: It presents as somewhat young, but not in an unpleasant way. I anticipated sulfur, industrial notes, or overpowering PX sherry. Instead, there's a pleasant maltiness with intriguing spice reminiscent of Gouden Carolus. It's dry and yeasty, followed by a rich oloroso oiliness. A faint buckwheat aroma is also present. Hints of cherry and blackberry appear, but they are subtle. While perhaps not the most mature nose, it's well-balanced and complex. Palate: Sweet with malt and spices, very classic. It actually tastes rich and quite aged. I would estimate it to be over 12 years old, like a Speysider. The rich, oily character persists, with a touch of buckwheat and a pleasant, mild cherry sweetness. It's full and luxurious without being harsh. The ethanol is noticeable, but considering it's 54% ABV, it's understandable. Spiciness emerges primarily from yeasty complexity that blends with the malt. The balance is exceptional. Finish: An lingering oily cherry note with malt and a hint of nuttiness or perhaps buckwheat. A subtle wave of light spice with a touch of woody complexity within that wave. This is actually a rather nice finish. Conclusion: I sense this isn't particularly old, but The Lakes is definitely a distillery to watch. This is an excellent example of a fairly young malt whisky with an oloroso finish. It doesn't rely on excessive flavors to mask its youth, and the distillate itself provides a pleasing taste. I find it hard to believe this is no more than 10 years old. Gouden Carolus (rated 15/23) offers many interesting spicy, yeasty nuances, but lacks the refined complexity found here. This is less demanding with a more standard profile, and the ethanol is more apparent, yet it remains clean, flavorful, and well-balanced with good complexity. While not vastly superior to Gouden Carolus, its remarkable nuance despite its youth and ethanol bite makes it highly enjoyable. I might consider lowering the rating to 14 or raising it to 18; it's very solid. Although Gouden Carolus is richer, I generally find this to be slightly better executed. However, Gouden Carolus possesses considerable sophistication. Perhaps I should have rated it 16 instead of 15? It's very enjoyable. This has slightly less going on, but it's more refined with subtle layers within its nuance. I'm now detecting some guava, which I absolutely love. Interestingly, I don't care for mixing this with Gouden Carolus. It dilutes the latter while increasing the ethanol and diminishing the complexity and depth of this one. Small amounts of Gouden Carolus (25% or less) can enhance this, but requires careful adjustment. The right blend is delightful, superior to either on its own, but not astonishing. This falls in the 14 to 17 range. It's a difficult decision. An 18 is also conceivable. Despite the ethanol, a rating below 13 seems unreasonable. Mortlach 15 Six Kingdoms (rated 16/23) seems to slightly edge out Gouden Carolus. It has a richer, more typical malt profile while maintaining complexity. It's less unconventional but more broadly enjoyable. The Lakes presents a weaker palate that dissipates quickly, its reliance on ABV becoming evident. It's younger, but at least it incorporates some shared advancements before adopting a more contemporary approach. I do worry, however, that The Lakes might be depending on high-performing external elements to represent their brand. This is getting out of hand. All future videos will be posted on a channel that, incredibly, generates no profit. I'm still debating whether this deserves a 15 or 16. It's decadent but high in alcohol and less complex than those rated 16. Loch Lomond 12 (rated 16/23) is richer but more muddled. It has less alcohol and less proof. It's funkier with greater richness. This is quite similar. It's not a 17, but could be a 15 or 16. I thoroughly enjoy this, but I'm settling on a 15 for now. It might not be the best value, but I'm enjoying it considerably. I was concerned it would be difficult to drink, but it's actually an easy, casual sipper (if you can handle the high proof). I can see myself finishing it gradually without realizing it. I eagerly anticipate future releases from The Lakes!

N: Assertive and slightly aggressive. Abundant wood spice, cinnamon (the aggressor), crisp pear (or apple?), and most interestingly a slightly floral smoky quality. Even more is present; vanilla, caramel, cereal, and perhaps a crisp brown sugar. Wonderful stuff. Everything beautifully refined and the lightest of presences that lets everything come through in equal measure. A dash of water has brought that floral note forward and turned it into the inside of a hippie crystal wand and dragon statue shop; incense. Water tames the aggressive edge but also takes the rich caramel notes way down too. P: Light, but with an oily presence. Vanilla caramel arrives first and leaves last but carries with it a toasty-nutty creaminess that I suspect is the wood talking. Cinnamon and nutmeg spice (and a lot of them) are reminders of the 54% ABV, generic fruit juiciness keeps the spice in check. The smallest of sips reveals a red berry to stewed plum like sweet-freshness. All lovely enough, but overshadowed by the remarkable intrigue the nose presents. Water destroys here, the palate becomes thin and bland. Don’t do it, drink it at 54%, its not harsh or bitey here. F: Long. The cinnamon warmth is beautifully wholesome and carries a little juicy fruit and wooded spice. This is again, really good stuff. Highly engaging and interesting, with just the most wonderfully complex and delicate nose. Some of the wanky BS marketing spiel I have to concede, applies here. It is “featherlight” and mysterious. Sadly the palate is a touch less than the nose, just slightly under delivering on big promises made by the nose. The finish, perfect for a cold night coming in from the cold (not well suited to the sweaty state I’m in today at 36 °C). Still impressive stuff, and the Lakes Spirit is clearly very good. So far my early half baked uneducated and unprofessional opinion is that the One Series can be ignored in place of the Makers Series. I am now pumped for the last in my exploration; The Reserve No. 5. GBP80 but here in the Australian market; not even available. [Pictured here with a porphyritic microgranite from Threlkeld, around 10 miles southeast of the Lakes Distillery. This 451 million year old rock was originally the same composition as granite, but cooled much more rapidly to produce a ‘micro’ texture. Now altered to buggery, so it looks absolutely nothing like a granite].

Part of 'The Whiskymaker's Editions' from The Lakes. Matured in two different types of French oak, previously used for wine casks. A pleasant, fruity aroma. It tingles the tongue, fills your mouth with flavor, and lingers for a long time. I really enjoy it.

A spirit from a pouch. It's quite hot and spicy initially, with some burn. Once it mellowed, sweetness emerged. Notes of almonds, marzipan, and cinnamon. Nice and sweet with a kick.

Aroma. Notes of nutmeg, red wine, and summer fruits. A touch of water reveals a bready aroma. Taste. Piquant, viscous, and full-bodied. Aftertaste. Lingering, with a warm spice.

Sweet spices, quite youthful. Very warming.