The Lakes Distillery The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado 46% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (92.50)

The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado 46%: A Harmonious Symphony of Flavors and Creativity

In the heart of the picturesque Lake District National Park, a new distillery emerged with a bold vision: to challenge convention and create whiskies that reflect the true essence of the place. The Lakes Distillery embraced the idea that whisky-making is a continuum of interconnected processes, and in doing so, they gave birth to The Whiskymaker's Editions, a series of exceptional whiskies that push the boundaries of tradition while honoring the heritage of the craft. Among these distinguished expressions lies The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado 46%, bottled in 2022, a whisky that embodies the distillery's philosophy of embracing risks, harnessing creativity, and crafting something truly unique.

The journey of The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado begins with the careful selection of raw ingredients. Opting for unpeated malted barley dried without smoke, the distillery ensures a clean and fruit-forward new make spirit. The magic starts to unfold as pure heated water from the Lake District National Park is introduced, breaking down the grain to release its natural sugars. The art lies in the details, as the slower mashing process and recirculation of water create a fruitier spirit, setting the stage for the journey of flavors to come.

At The Lakes Distillery, an obsession with flavor creation drives their every decision. Time and quality are never compromised, and the fermentation process becomes a masterful symphony of aromas. Drawing inspiration from perfumers, the distillery employs three different yeast strains during fermentation to create layers upon layers of flavor. Extending the fermentation time to an impressive 96 hours allows for malolactic fermentation, which imparts the desired complexity and creamy texture, ultimately delivering a rounder and fuller mouthfeel.

The continuity of character in The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado is a testament to the meticulous approach taken by the distillery. Distillation is conducted in both wash and copper-pot stills, and each distillate is thoroughly checked for quality and consistency. With a slow and long distillation process, the resulting spirit takes on a fruitier and more robust character, perfectly complementing the maturation process ahead.

Maturation, an integral part of whisky-making, is far from a passive process at The Lakes Distillery. The selection of oak types and the liquids used to season those oak casks significantly impact the maturing spirit, infusing more than 80% of the flavor and nearly all of the natural color. The distillery takes great care in selecting bespoke casks that integrate with their spirit, creating layers of depth and complexity that define The Lakes Single Malt.

The art of blending, often overlooked in discussions of single malts, takes center stage at The Lakes Distillery. This dynamic and creative process brings multiple layers of flavor from different casks together in harmony, producing complexity and depth in the final whisky. Far from a formulaic approach, blending is a skill that requires expertise and taste, bringing out the best in each component to create a symphony of flavors that is truly unparalleled.

The result of this exceptional craftsmanship is The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado 46%, a whisky that takes the drinker on a sensory journey through the rustic rural Andalusia. Imagine road trips through vibrant orange groves, the scent of Seville mermelada hanging in the air, and lush valleys kissed by the sun. Soleado bursts with the flavors of sun-kissed oranges and rich honeydew, blending harmoniously with the backdrop of freshly cut flowers and a hint of almonds. The creamy porridge notes and drizzle of honey add the finishing touches to this lively and delightful whisky.

In conclusion, The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Editions Soleado 46% embodies the very essence of The Lakes Distillery's philosophy: embracing risk, challenging convention, and being creatively driven to craft exceptional whiskies. With an intricate and holistic approach to whisky-making, The Lakes Distillery has created a masterpiece that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation, setting a new standard for whisky enthusiasts worldwide. The journey of flavors in Soleado takes us on a captivating adventure through the sun-soaked beauty of Andalusia, leaving an indelible mark on the palate and a lasting appreciation for the artistry behind each drop of this exceptional whisky.