The Lakes Distillery sits in the shadow of the Cumbrian mountains, and their vodka — triple-distilled from wheat — aims to capture something of that landscape's clarity and freshness. It largely succeeds, delivering a clean, uncluttered spirit that drinks well in a variety of contexts.
The nose is fresh and inviting, with soft vanilla and gentle citrus notes that suggest careful distillation. There is nothing off-putting or aggressive here — just a clean, well-made vodka announcing itself quietly. The palate is silky and smooth, with wheat sweetness at its core and a pleasant creaminess that coats the mouth without any oily heaviness.
Where this falls slightly short of the very best is in complexity. At over thirty-six pounds, it faces stiff competition from spirits with more personality, and the finish — while clean and smooth — is perhaps a touch brief. That said, as a Martini base or a premium mixer, it performs its duties with quiet competence.
The Lakes are better known for their whisky, and the vodka sometimes feels like a supporting player in the range. But it is well-made, attractively packaged, and representative of the growing quality of English spirits. A solid if unspectacular offering.
