Lakes English Whisky

The Lakes Distillery is one of England’s most acclaimed modern whisky producers, located in the scenic Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Founded in 2011 by Paul Currie, who also co-founded the Arran Distillery in Scotland, The Lakes Distillery was established with the aim of creating world-class single malt whisky while embracing an English sense of place. The distillery officially began production in 2014, transforming a 19th-century Victorian model farm into a state-of-the-art whisky-making facility.

The location is both beautiful and functional. Nestled on the banks of the River Derwent, the distillery has access to an abundant supply of pure Lake District water, filtered naturally through the surrounding fells. The temperate, damp climate provides ideal conditions for whisky maturation, while the UNESCO World Heritage landscape serves as inspiration for the brand’s identity and artistry.

From its inception, The Lakes Distillery has placed a strong emphasis on sherry cask maturation and a flavour-led approach to whisky-making. Under the direction of former Macallan whisky maker Dhavall Gandhi (until 2022), the distillery adopted an intricate blending philosophy inspired by perfume creation, carefully layering flavours from different casks to achieve depth and complexity. The use of various sherry cask types (including Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Fino) alongside American and European oak has become a hallmark of the house style.

The Lakes Single Malt “Whiskymaker’s Reserve” series has been the flagship range, with each numbered release offering a slightly different interpretation of the distillery’s rich, sherried style. These whiskies are non-chill filtered, natural in colour, and bottled at high strength, appealing to both casual drinkers and whisky enthusiasts. The distillery also produces The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Editions, a series of limited runs exploring different cask types, flavour profiles, and creative directions.

In addition to whisky, The Lakes Distillery produces The ONE, a blended whisky that combines single malts from across the British Isles with The Lakes’ own spirit. The distillery is also known for its premium Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka, both distilled with the same attention to detail as its whisky.

Flavour profiles for The Lakes’ single malts lean toward rich, bold, and complex, with layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, baking spice, and orange zest from the sherry influence, balanced by oak tannins and a smooth, warming finish. The cask diversity allows for subtle variations between releases, from sweeter, fruitier expressions to drier, nuttier profiles.

The distillery has become a popular visitor destination, with a café, bistro, tours, and tasting experiences that showcase both the production process and the stunning natural surroundings. Its commitment to sustainability and local engagement reflects the values of the Lake District community.

Our The Lakes Distillery selection features both the flagship Whiskymaker’s Reserve bottlings and limited-edition whiskies, as well as The ONE blended whisky. Whether you’re seeking a bold, sherry-rich single malt, a unique limited release, or a distinctly British blended whisky, The Lakes Distillery delivers craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep sense of place, all from the heart of one of England’s most beautiful landscapes.