A review of the Lakes Distillery Tour

The Lakes Distillery Tour is a truly unique experience that starts with a bang - or rather, with the sound of US F15 jets flying low overhead. This exciting welcome sets the tone for the rest of the tour, which takes place in the beautiful Lake District, next to the stunning Derwent River.

As you arrive at the distillery car park, you can't help but feel excited about what's to come. The distillery is housed in renovated old farmhouse buildings, which add to the charm and character of the place.

The £50 Distillery Tour and Tasting, which mainly focuses on the whisky they produce but doesn’t leave out the process involved in their gin and vodka processes, is the perfect way to learn about the production processes. During the tour, you'll get to witness the steps taken to produce their award-winning whisky, in their state-of-the-art production, fully refurbished facility.

But the real highlight of the tour is the tasting session. You'll get to sample five different spirits, each with its own unique flavour profile. For me this included a sample of the New Make Spirit (72% vol), which is the spirit created after distillation. It's clear and unaged as it has yet to be put into casks for maturation. At the Lakes Distillery, a range of sherry casks are used for maturation, and you'll learn more about this process on the tour. The New Make Spirit is a great way to experience the raw essence of whisky, and it's interesting to compare its taste to the whiskies you get to try afterwards and the effect that the casks and blending process has on the final products.

Resfeber, the most recent release, is a standout sample, with its complex flavor profile and smooth finish – providing a very medicinal flavour on the palate with a hint of cherry and fresh spring flowers. Reflections and Whiskymaker's Reserve no.6 are also excellent examples of the distillery's skill in producing fine whisky, with each sample offering something different and exciting.

But the real star of the tasting session for me was Infinity. With its nose of sea salt dark chocolate, ginger snaps, and caramel with toasted spices and polished oak, it's a sensory delight. The palate is just as impressive, with notes of Black Forest gâteau joined by oily nuts, butterscotch, thick bitter marmalade, and black pepper. The finish is a rich drying and sweet one that lingers on the tongue.

Not interested in the tours? Then why not get some dinner at The Bistro at the Lakes Distillery. It is a charming eatery that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent menu, and stunning location in the heart of the Lake District. The menu celebrates local produce, with dishes that are beautifully presented and delicious, and staff that are friendly and knowledgeable. Whilst also having a range of drinks and samples at affordable prices to try and enjoy, sat in a beautiful location and enjoying good quality food.

Overall, The Lakes Distillery Tour is an experience that is not to be missed. With its stunning location, charming surroundings, and excellent whisky samples, it's a must-visit destination for any whisky lover. The tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer to the world of spirits, you'll leave The Lakes Distillery Tour feeling impressed, inspired, maybe a bit tipsy and a bottle in each hand (as you receive a discount on anything in the shop post tour).