Steel Bonnets, The Lakes Distillery’s blend of English and Scotch malt whisky, has been awarded a Gold Medal in the World Whisky Ultra-Premium category (whiskies priced over £51) by the prestigious Spirits Business Awards.
The Luxury Masters competition aims to reward the finest luxury spirits on the global stage. Chaired by The Spirits Business and assessed by a panel of leading spirits specialists, Steel Bonnets was the only World Whisky in its category to secure a Gold Medal award.
Speaking following a blind-tasting, the panel of whisky experts from across the globe commented that Steel Bonnets was ‘full and warm’ with ‘green apple, slight wood smoke’ and a palate of ‘cinnamon and plum.’
Created with the highest quality malt whiskies from both sides of the border, Steel Bonnets is a combination of The Lakes Single Malt from England and some of the most respected malts from Scotland. It is the world’s first blend of English malt and Scotch malt whisky.
The name pays homage to the memory of the English and Scottish people who lived in the Border Marches from Berwick-upon-Tweed in the East to Carlisle in the West during the 13th – 17th centuries.
Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery said: “I’m incredibly proud that Steel Bonnets has been recognised by some of the world’s leading whisky experts for its excellence. Our Master Whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi has created something very special.
“This is the third year of the competition and the excellence demonstrated in our category confirms the emphasis leading whisky makers are putting on taste and quality. With the growing trend for customers to spend more and drink less this is an increasingly important award for premium spirits.
“Our ambition is to establish The Lakes Distillery as a luxury global whisky brand and this recognition is another significant step towards this. Steel Bonnets now sits alongside world brands including Sullivan’s Cove of Tasmania and Chivas Regal Ultis, both Gold award winners and I’m absolutely thrilled.”
The Lakes Distillery Master Whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi, said: “I’m honoured that Steel Bonnets has received a Gold Medal. It is very rewarding that the knowledgeable tasting panel appreciated this unique whisky.”
