Lakes Distillery Explorer Edition
The Lakes Gin Explorer Edition Gin – 47.1%ABV
Botanicals: 15 including Cumbrian juniper, cassia bark, coriander
Garnish – slice of pink grapefruit
Flavour profile – floral, citrus
Created from the remnants of a derelict cattle farm on the banks of the river Derwent, The Lakes Distillery is a labour of love that is built to last. Whisky, vodka and gin are distilled there using the local Derwent water; it is also a popular visitor attraction for those tourists stuck for something to do on the frequent rainy days in the Lakes.
But on to the gin. The Lakes Gin was the original but this limited edition Explorer Edition was crafted to add local botanicals indigenous to the Lake District National Park, and uses Cumbrian juniper. The gin is beautifully presented in a cornflower-blue bottle etched with white botanicals.
On the nose there is juniper, with floral notes and orange.
Neat, there is a complex mixture of herbs, juniper, spice, pepper and citrus. A bright, interesting gin that works well on the rocks.
Adding tonic makes a lovely smooth drink with all the neat flavours still in evidence, with enhanced floral and citrus notes. A traditional gin with a contemporary floral twist, this should appeal to both modern and classic gin lovers. It also makes a cracking Martini, the complex flavours sitting well with a hint of Vermouth.
If the Lakes Distillery keeps churning out products like this, it is set for a long and happy tenure.
