Lakes Distillery WhiskyMaker's Editions - Bal Masque

The fourth release of the @LakesDistillery Whiskymaker's Editions series is Bal Masque.

Following on from Miramar it's a non-sherry bottling, let see what it's like...

I've previous reviewed the Colheita, and Miramar bottlings of the Lakes Distillery's Whiskymaker's Editions

"Exceptional diversions from our sherry-led house style, The Whiskymaker’s Editions are special-edition single malt whiskies which showcase whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi’s sense of adventure in cask selection, maturation, and blending. Each unique bottling is an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free, coming together to realise one intrinsic objective; the creation of outstanding flavours."

Distillery notes: 

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball in its depths. 

Flavours and aromas mingle like masked revellers with featherlight touches, coquettish flourishes and always the promise of more. Of being transported to unchartered territories beyond expectations.

The beauty of Bal Masque derives from the mercurial, not the obvious. With guile, wisdom, wit and panache, our whiskymaker has conducted enigmatic French oak casks to create a seductive, mysterious character. 

Forbidden orchard fruits abound and entwine on the tongue with sweet sensory spices, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg, with subtle background notes of toasted almonds and incense. 

To create a sense of intrigue and seduction, with Bal Masque we used only French oak to mature the whisky. Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating. When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.

The Whiskymaker's Edition seem to be more about the story than the whisky - going back to the days of Steel Bonnets - story over liquid? This time though the Lakes have given us a little more information about the whisky:

"We used only French oak to mature the whisky. Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating. When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character, invoking complex notes of vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, and aromatic incense. We have used a complex combination of two different types of French oak; Quercus Petraea and Quercus Robur. Previously used as wine casks, Petraea’s fine grain brings sweet characteristics to the whisky, while Robur’s creates spicy and aromatic top notes."

Like the other Editions, is this aimed at collectors rather than whisky drinkers? Let's try it and find out...

My thoughts:

Appearance: Mid gold in the glass, swirls leave a thin line of beads which eventually fall as slow thin legs.

 

Nose: The ABV hits you straightaway tickling the nasal hair, Christmas spices follow and a little orchard fruit. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, apples, pears and apricots. It does smell a little dry - icing sugar and almonds maybe?

Palate: Follows on exactly from the nose, spice, fruit and dryness. The ABV is very noticeable - tastes like a young dram. Cinnamon and nutmeg are here with stewed apples and pears. Apricot skins and icing sugar give the dryness. A few more sips offer hints of red fruit and orange zest with a bigger hit of spice - ginger maybe?

Finish: Lingering spice, orchard fruit and a little vanilla.

Thoughts:  To be honest it's OK, the age or ABV just gives too much of an alcohol burn to make it really enjoyable like the Colheita was. I think the Editions range are just straying away from what has turned Lakes around in the last couple of years - the sherry led Whiskymakers Reserves. I don't know whether Lakes are trying to use up some old casks which don't fit their new profile or if they are just experimenting; but for me these Editions just aren't hitting the new high standard I expect from them. Can't wait for WMR #5.

Geeky stuff:

Whiskymaker's Editions Releases
Release	Bottled	ABV	Bottles
Bal Masque	Sep '21	54%	5,400
Miramar	Jul '21	54%	600
Le Goûter	Jun '21	49.5%	306
Colheita Port	Sep '20	52%	5,400