The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Iris

Approaching my 300th tasting, I’ve aimed for something exceptional every 50. Similar to milestones 100 and 200, this Bruichladdich offering is particularly special. To mark the upcoming 300th, I’ve curated a lineup of ten drams I anticipate will be impressive. I was near The Lakes Distillery in July of 2023 but couldn't visit due to other commitments. I'm eager to continue my exploration from December 2022 with more tastings from The Lakes. Following my usual practice for The Lakes, we begin with a poetic description from a creative writer: "Inspired by the stunning Gulmarg, the "meadow of flowers" in the Himalayas, this robust and invigorating spirit reflects our whiskymaker's adventurous spirit, delving into intensely tropical, contemporary flavor profiles." That's some fine marketing fluff. Let's get to the good stuff! Nose: Lively, sharp, and complex with an alluring and captivating quality. Initial creaminess reminiscent of white chocolate gives way to succulent pears, vanilla, and an aromatic hint of Turkish delight or herbs. Subtle malty-sweet and honey notes linger in the background. Palate: A zesty and bright experience with a slight bite from the high proof. Incredibly crisp, it initially presents as tart green apple. Notes of ginger cake, subtly bitter dark chocolate, rich caramel, and the sweetness of Black Forest gateau follow. Finish: Extended. A ginger spice remains, accompanied by mocha and dark fruit undertones. The 56% ABV is not apparent on the nose, but I believe it contributed to the potent ginger sensation. It wasn't overwhelmingly alcoholic, but it benefited from a splash of water to see how it would evolve. The nose remains mostly the same, perhaps with a new hint of gooseberry or Sauvignon Blanc grassiness emerging. The palate becomes noticeably smoother, with a light wood spice appearing and a nuttier, more oily texture, along with a more pronounced floral character. The finish, after adding water, becomes slightly more buttery and malty. Reviewing my notes on other Lakes whiskies, a consistent observation is an outstanding nose paired with a good palate. This is no exception regarding the nose; I wish I had more time to deeply inhale this wonderfully light yet complex and approachable aroma. It's beautiful. The ginger spiciness is a bit strong, but there's an intriguing balance between sweet, tart fruits and deep, dark, rich, and bitter flavors. This is excellent, and I'm keen to sample more from The Lakes' whisky makers series; a fantastic start on the journey to 300. Distillery tasting #291 [Shown here with a piece of K2 Granite from the Karakoram Range, bordering Pakistan and China... As I lack Himalayan rocks, this is the closest I could find to match the whisky. This elegant granite is white with flecks of black biotite and small blue inclusions of secondary azurite] The Lakes Current Scores: The One Orange: 2.75/5 The One Moscatel: 3.75/5 The One Port: 2.75/5 Mosaic: 4/5 Bal Masque: 3.75/5 Iris: 4.25/5 Reserve No. 5: 4.5/5