An English Whisky matured in Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez and Red Wine Casks.
A bit about
The Whiskymakers Reserve No.7 was matured in both American and Spanish Oak casks.
It has 52% ABV, a beautiful natural colour and it is non-chill filtered.
In 2023 it won the Grand Gold Medal at the Spirits Selection by CMD and in 2024 it won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards and Gold at the Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition.
The Lakes Distillery, founded in 2011, is located in the Lake District National Park and produces gin, whisky and vodka.
Time to try it
The Whiskymakers Reserve No.7
Nose: Apricots and raisins, not too sweet, quite fragrant
Taste: Slightly harsh on the palate with the first sip, intense, with a balanced sweetness, currants and dark chocolate notes with a hint of spice. I can definitely feel the influence the sherry and red wine casks have.
Finish: Quite long, with more spice and a hint of oak
Pros and Cons
For me, it's just way too fiery to be enjoyed neat, but adding a few drops of cold water or even an ice cube really opens up the flavours (some hints of chocolate become clearer) and makes it way more palatable.
It's been great in cocktails during summer but I think I'll enjoy this more with all its sherry and warm spice notes during the colder months of the year.
In Conclusion
Priced at around £85 on most UK websites, I think it's an interesting English rich-bodied whisky to try as long as you add a few drops of water to your dram.
It's not peated, quite rich and has a nice balance of aromas, but I don't think I would recommend this to someone trying whisky for the first time.
As always, please drink responsibly.
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I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.