The Lakes Gin – 43.7% abv

It’s not always about whisky, and so for something a little different here’s the first of two gin reviews… Here’s a bit of info about The Lakes’ new gin, followed by my thoughts below…

“Close to Bassenthwaite Lake, in an area of unimaginable beauty encircled by Cumbrian fells, we have the perfect home for The Lakes Distillery. We have ideal water from the famous River Derwent, with its source high up in the fells, a team steeped in distilling experience, and perfect conditions for creating outstanding spirits.

Juniper can be found across the fells in The Lakes District, and we use this local juniper as the very heart of our gin. Using classic gin botanicals augmented with others native to The Lakes – including bilberry, heather and meadowsweet – this is an artisan gin which is complex, intriguing and delicious.”

I’m very new to gin… for many years I didn’t think I liked it until I realised that it’s the tonic I don’t like; neat with some ice it can be fantastic. So, here’s my non-expert notes on this particular one:

Nose: Packed with juniper and sweetness, citrus, orange. Beautiful, clean and fresh.
Palate: Quite thick feeling, smooth and sweet. Clean with sweet citrus zest, almost fizzy.
Finish: More of the same from the palate, it gently fades away.
Thoughts: I don’t have too much of a reference, but this appears to be damn excellent. If I were to equate this to a season I’d say it’s a spring-like, summery kind of drink, good fun!
Available: Not quite on the market yet, but it will be around £30. You can Pre Order it now directly from The Lakes Distillery online shop.
Extra: Drinking tips from The Lakes are as follows: “To fully appreciate the flavours of The Lakes Gin we recommend chilling in a fridge freezer, and pouring over a cube or two of ice. Our gin has an outstanding taste that is fully appreciated when tried neat, but if you are partial to a gin & tonic, we suggest mixing with tonic at a ratio of 1:1, with no added fruit!”

Thanks to The Lakes Distillery for the sample.