The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

I have completed my six-drink journey through The Lakes Distillery's offerings. I'm hoping the best is saved for last: The Lakes Whisky Makers Reserve No. 5. Perhaps I need to question the marketing department's language. The official notes say: "The Whisky maker’s Reserve series is an artistic exploration of our sherry-led house style. The whisky maker defines the architecture of each release as he unlocks infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities. Matured in the finest, bespoke Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, comprising Spanish and American oak, The Whisky maker’s Reserve No.5 is an elegant and moorish evolution, possessing the same sherry-led, wood-forward characteristics as its predecessors. Wonderfully fruity aromatics lead to indulgent baklava and a vibrant, creamy finish." Nose: Delightfully deep and inviting with a substantial woody presence. A very aromatic and floral character offers dried fruit, cherry, aged wood, chocolate, and a nutty oiliness. With time, the chocolate might become slightly bitter, similar to mocha or espresso. If the taste is even close to this spectacular, I might have to relocate to the UK. Palate: An oily texture with a pleasant, high-proof tingle. Light coffee, wood spice, a fruity, vaguely tropical vibrancy, and a syrupy red wine influence. A bit of toffee and vanilla, and the slightest hint of cereal that quickly becomes a crunchy brown sugar flavor. Not as intricate as the nose, but exceptionally clean, focused, and masterfully crafted. Someone clearly put a lot of care into making this, and it's evident. Finish: Extended. Toasted wood spices, buttery brown sugar. No indication of the 54% ABV. Yes. The best was saved for last. While the nose once again outshone the palate, this is a fantastic example of how good young whisky can be when made with meticulous care. Everything from the spirit production to the cask selection and final bottling has worked harmoniously, resulting in a complex, refined, yet assertive, and utterly delicious English whisky. Excellent work, Lakes. I just realized I enjoyed it so much I didn't even check what water does to it. Oh well, it clearly didn't need any. I consider the Whisky Makers Reserve series the pinnacle of The Lakes' portfolio. Their No. 4 won the world whisky award this year, so expectations are high globally. However, with this level of acclaim and a former influential figure leading The Lakes with complete freedom, I foresee two potential outcomes: (1) prestigious bottles that look good on the shelf but don't justify the high price, or (2) demand that depletes stock, making them scarce. I'll be eagerly anticipating my visit to learn more about these pioneers. GBP70, but unavailable in the Australian market. [Pictured with a Fault Breccia, a geological formation composed of 450-million-year-old andesitic lava and thick white calcite cement. These ancient volcanic rocks originated from the remnants of a volcanic island arc, similar to those found in the western Pacific today. These enigmatic, fractured rocks are now discovered in Greater Langdale, approximately 30 miles south of our host for these last six drinks, The Lakes Distillery].

This is number 4, though it appears to share the same profile as number 5. Color: dark amber. Nose: A strong PX aroma, somewhat overwhelmed by the alcohol content, with notes of rich, thick-cut marmalade. Palate: Slightly overdone with PX dates and baked apples, with 'apple tart' flavors at the edges of the tongue. Adding water makes it more open and approachable, but curiously introduces a metallic quality along the edge of the tongue. The 52% ABV does not enhance this dram and leaves it somewhat unbalanced. Finish: Long, with the citrus from the marmalade peel cutting through the sherry's sweetness. A pleasant, moreish, juicy finish.

Nose is profound, rich, and intricate, with toffee notes. The oak is prominent, substantial enough to support the taste. It has an oily, beautiful consistency. A subtle fruity essence is present, possibly peach or similar. A magnificent, lengthy woody finish, truly outstanding.

Aroma of red fruit, wood, vanilla, and dried fruit. The flavor is very rich and rounded, full of red fruit. A profoundly sherry-forward Scotch.

Dry wine, floral notes