Originating long before The Lakes Distillery ever released a single malt, their first “Whiskymaker’s Project” began chronicling the research undertaken to understand how the theory of sherry cask maturation would translate to a new distillery. 

Focusing upon the impact oak has on whisky’s flavour creation, Elements seeks to expand on a deep understanding of sherry wine as it studies the micro-climate and how New Make Spirit behaves with different sherry-seasoned oak casks.

“Understanding how the theory of sherry cask maturation translates to the surrounds of the Lake District and with our New Make Spirit was a fundamental step toward establishing our oak-led maturation philosophy and designing a new sherry-led single malt.”

DHAVALL GANDHI

Delving deep into the oak’s treatment, its seasoning and how each variation imparts a very different characteristic style to the whisky, Elements explores flavour, aroma and texture to give a snapshot of the distinct role seven sherry-seasoned oak casks can play: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Cream, PX, and Oloroso.

Inspired by a simple question, to see what would happen if the idea of flavour creation in whisky was turned on its head, only 1,386 Elements libraries have been produced. 

Individually numbered and accompanied by a book of Elements offering a background to each sherry wine and how it interacts, Elements gives a unique insight into the way whisky is designed at The Lakes and the cask laydown needed to create the complex flavours and profile of The Lakes Single Malt Whisky.

Available in the UK from the 28 March at specialist whisky retailers and LakesDistillery.com, Elements: A Whiskymaker’s Project contains seven 20cl bottles of single malt whisky, each at 54% ABV, and retails for £500.

Alongside the accompanying book, registered owners also receive online access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including an audio conversation between whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi and The Lakes’ commercial director Kirsty Taylor, discussing the project in more depth.