The Whiskymaker's Editions
Bal Masque
The Whiskymaker’s Editions is a series of one-off releases showcasing the sense of adventure of our whiskymaker. Each Edition is an exceptional diversion from The Lakes sherry-led house style; an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free.
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.
Bottled at 54% ABV, to create a sense of intrigue and seduction, we used only French oak to mature the whisky. When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.
About the artist
We partnered with Max Löffler, a German illustrator, to create our mysterious and seductive masked ball scene. Max was specifically selected for his dreamlike, atmospheric work, reflective of the enigmatic characters of this single malt.
The complexities of French oak
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.
Paying homage to its risqué nature, this is not about playing safe and in transporting us to unchartered territories, the whiskymaker has masterfully conducted enigmatic French oak casks.
Aroma | Sweet sensory spices, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg |
On the palate | Fordbidden orchard fruits abound and entwine on the tongue |
Finishing notes | Background notes of toasted almonds and incense. |
ABV % | 54% |
Filtration | Non-chill filtered |
Colour | Natural in colour |