A sustainable journey

Making positive change is not a trend or a race; it is a perpetual way of thinking.

With our roots in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have been morally-bound to embrace, nurture and protect the way of life in our beautiful Lake District home from the very beginning.

In unison, our vision to create one of the most flavourful sherry-led whiskies in the world requires an unwavering commitment to quality, and using the best possible materials and whiskymaking techniques.

At The Lakes, one of our greatest challenges is to continue making ethical choices without a detrimental effect on the quality of our spirits.

Environmentally friendly renovation

During the painstaking renovation to transform an old Victorian model dairy farm into a state-of-the-art whisky distillery, 100% of the materials from the original site were reused, with bricks numbered so they could be repositioned back into their original location.

Powered by organic fuel

The installation of a Biomass Boiler, burning organic fuel from sustainable sources, provides hot water and heating throughout the hospitality areas of the distillery, including our bistro and boutique.

Protecting dark skies

Black-sky architectural fitting and shielded LED lighting is incorporated throughout the distillery to reduce light pollution, energy consumption, and limit any negative impact bright lighting could have on our neighbouring natural eco-system.

Natural insulation

Natural and sustainable wool insulation, sourced locally, is used throughout the distillery to increase energy efficiency and keep the distillery warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Sustainable water source

With the River Derwent’s water level in slow decline, in collaboration with the UK Environmental Agency, the local council, and The Lake District National Park Authority, we have installed a water borehole on the distillery site to provide us with a new and sustainable water source.

    Circular production

    Circular initiatives are in operation throughout our whiskymaking process to minimise waste.

    • Discarded draff is gifted to local farmers to feed their cattle.
    • After fermentation, pot ales and spent lees are re-used to enrich agricultural land across The Lake District. 
    • Extracted during distillation, the feints and low wines are re-distilled.
    Reducing emissions with local suppliers

    Formerly manufactured in Italy and Poland, our glass bottle supplier designs, engineers and manufactures each of our beautiful bottles in neighbouring Yorkshire. Not only does this significantly reduce our carbon footprint, but ensures every one of our British-made glass bottles is 100% recyclable.

    Sustainable packaging

    A review of suppliers allowed us to remove the use of plastic, non-recyclable materials and inhibiting varnishes from our labels, paper and cardboard. To continue using copper foiling, we have partnered with a company who recycles the comparatively substantial waste produced.

    No single-use plastic

    Our distillery restaurant no longer uses any single-use plastic, removing plastic straws and introducing disposable coffee cups made from compostable vegware in 2019. Distillery tastings also use glassware and water pipettes made from glass.

    Preventing landfill waste

    Working with the Cumbria Waste Group (CWG), waste from the hospitality area of our business is minimised. Any mixed waste is hand-picked to separate plastic. Cans and glass to go to our local recycling depot. Materials like cardboard are baled, along with any recyclables, and sent to be processed. Any remaining refuse, after sortation, becomes Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), with food waste bio-digested, and loose residue shredded, sifted and wind separated before being baled.

      "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."

      Vincent Van Gogh

      Protecting the environment

      Working toward a common goal, we partnered with the Lake District Foundation in 2021 to offer an annual programme of grants to environmentally focused charities, local groups and community interest companies.

      The Lakes Distillery Water Fund supports those aligned with our ambition to have a positive impact on climate action, improve clean water and sanitation, and enhance life below water and on land in the Lake District National Park.

      Responsible consumption

      Being a responsible creator also means being a champion of responsible consumption.

      We are aware that, for some, the harmful use of alcohol is a major obstacle to their development and personal growth. At The Lakes, our spirits are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and our unrelenting focus on flavour creation means they are designed to create a moment or complement a special occasion. To be enjoyed responsibly.

      Our philosophy is to encourage good health and wellbeing through responsible alcohol consumption and better education, helping to reduce alcohol-related harm and allow people to make healthier choices about their drinking.

      DrinkAware.co.uk