The inspiration of our art is nature
The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place where imagination can flourish, and it's no different for us. The Lakes Distillery's whiskymaker takes inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage site where our distillery has been built within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent.
Sculpted into the bedrock of our distillery, the symbol of the quatrefoil represents our core beliefs. Faith, Hope, Luck and Love are the compass points of our journey, shared by like-minded adventurers who appreciate our creative approach to whisky making and the rewards of its discovery at the intersection of art, science and nature.
Whisky is more than a drink
All distilleries have a creation story, that moment of inspiration, some might say madness, when someone decides that they need to make whisky. Tied to the desire to distil is the pull of a place. So, the first question is why the Lakes?
Whisky at its best triggers an emotional response, it is more than a drink. It shares that with landscape.
If you strip it back to basics what you need for a new distillery is access to lots of cold, clean water, space for storing the casks, and access to market. You could make whisky anywhere these requirements are met. What makes you choose the place, speaks of the person.
Embedded in people's lives
People stay in the Lakes because that ‘truth’ speaks to them, but they have to eat, and support their families. A distillery becomes part of a community, something which is especially important in rural communities where jobs can be hard to find.
Its presence ripples out across the region. Working in distillation, maturation, guiding tourists, serving food, delivering goods. It embeds itself in people’s lives. The distillery now employs 70 local people, and has opened up new career possibilities: distiller, chef, warehouseman. It becomes part of the glue which deepens a sense of place.
The Lakes Range
The Lakes Distillery Whisky: The Lakes whisky that has been produced is to an exceptional standard and is why The Lakes Distillery single malt whisky range should be in any whisky fans cupboard.
The Lakes Distillery Gin: The Lakes gin has won numerous awards and we are not surprised in the slightest! They have done an exceptional job in creating a must-have gin range that features in most households. The Lakes gin liqueurs are also a great addition to most drinks and cocktails. The Lakes Gin liqueurs are bottled at a lower ABV but are bursting with flavour.
The Lakes Distillery Vodka: The Lakes Vodka is perhaps one of the smoothest vodkas we have ever tried! The lakes vodka liqueurs are also pretty special, with our personal favourite being The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur.
Outstanding is an over-used descriptor. For The Lakes Distillery, it is the only word that adequetly describes the craft, quality, style and taste of their portfolio. From Whisky to Gin to Vodka and Liqueurs, the range is simply outstanding. We are genuinely in love with their amazing creations. Don't just take our word for it.. Try them.
