The Lakes Distillery, a well-known brand in new world whisky, has just launched Signature – its first permanent style of sherry-led whisky.

The culmination of a meticulous journey of flavour development, Signature brings together discoveries from over a decade of exploration by the distillery’s whisky makers, who have embraced the art of élevage and sherry cask ageing to create fine whiskies in the beautiful surroundings of England’s Lake District.

The Lakes Distillery has a unique and modern approach to whisky flavour creation. 

Whisky maker Sarah Burgess, who joined at the start of 2023, has led on the creation of Signature. Previously at The Macallan, Sarah was drawn to The Lakes Distillery by the opportunity to be creative and innovative in her whisky making.

Sarah Burgess has created Signature using The Lakes Distillery’s technique of élevage – traditionally associated with fine wines and cognacs, which involves making intentional changes throughout the spirit’s maturation to nurture desired characteristics.

By altering the location and climate of maturing casks, moving the whisky between cask types, and combining whisky from different casks, élevage provides endless possibilities to evolve an abundance of new and intriguing flavours.

The Lakes Signature single malt whisky offers aromas of rich polished oak, dried fruits, pecan nuts, dark chocolate and a touch of orange zest.

On the palate is a harmonious melody of baking spices, sweet sultanas, raisins and figs, giving way to stewed orchard fruits, a burst of citrus, and opulent notes of treacle intertwined with the depth of oak.

It’s unique flavour bouquet makes it easily identifiable amongst whiskies.

The Lakes Signature whisky is presented in a gift box, with the design reflecting the stillness of the deep waters surrounding the distillery, contrasting with the vibrant movement of colours to depict a whisky that is rich with multiple layers of bold and complex flavours.

The Lakes Distillery Signature single malt whisky is now available to purchase from lakesdistillery.com, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and House of Malt at an RRP of £85.