The Lakes Distillery: The Story of Cumbria's Single Malt Pioneer
Updated: 19 hours ago
The Lakes Distillery makes whisky, gin and vodka in the Lake District, near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria. Here is what is known about its story.
In this guide
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The Lakes at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery | The Lakes |
Country / region | Cumbria, England |
Owner / producer | The Lakes Distillery |
History | Wikipedia says The Lakes Distillery was established in 2014 by Paul Currie on the site of a renovated 1850s farm near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria. |
Whisky identity | English single malt; the Reserve No. 7 was a historic edition |
Visiting | Check the current official visiting arrangements before travelling. |
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Where it is and how it began
According to Wikipedia, the distillery was established in 2014 by Paul Currie on the site of a renovated 1850s farm. Currie had previously co-founded Lochranza distillery on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. A total of 9 million pounds was invested in building the distillery.
Growth and ownership
7 January 2022: plans announced to install 8 new washbacks.
March 2024: James Pennefather appointed chief executive.
April 2024: English wine company Nyetimber bid to acquire the distillery for 71 million pounds. The acquisition was finalised in June 2024.
Releases
The distillery makes single malt and blended whisky. Its first single malt release, Genesis, was auctioned through Whisky Auctioneer in 2018, and the first bottle sold for 7,900 pounds. Only 99 bottles were made. In 2018 it also created a combined English and Scottish blend. The first core range whisky, Signature, was released in March 2025. Other bottlings include Infinity, Iris and the Reserve series. The current online shop lists Signature, Whiskymaker's Reserve No.7, Velocity, Nostalgia and The Chocolatier. It also sells gin and vodka.
Awards
In 2022 the Whiskymaker's Reserve No.4 was named the world's best single malt at the World Whisky Awards, according to Wikipedia.
Visiting
The distillery's website currently states that its distillery shop and bistro have closed. Contact the distillery before planning any visit.
History and ownership
Wikipedia says The Lakes Distillery was established in 2014 by Paul Currie on the site of a renovated 1850s farm near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria. Currie had earlier co-founded Lochranza distillery on Arran. About 9 million pounds was invested in building it.
2018: the first single malt release, Genesis, was auctioned, with only 99 bottles and the first selling for 7,900 pounds
2022: plans announced to add 8 new washbacks, and Whiskymaker's Reserve No.4 named world's best single malt at the World Whisky Awards
2024: James Pennefather became chief executive, and the English wine company Nyetimber bid 71 million pounds, with the acquisition finalised in June
2025: the first core range whisky, Signature, was released in March
Other spirits: London Dry Gin, Pink Grapefruit Gin and an elderflower gin liqueur
Sources and gaps
Sources: Wikipedia (The Lakes Distillery) and lakesdistillery.com (home page notice and shop listing, read 20 October 2026). The official story pages did not load, so founding details, still sizes, capacity, ABVs and the current ownership structure beyond the Nyetimber acquisition are not verified. Wikipedia spells the founder's name inconsistently, so check it. Cover image to be added by Filip. Planned slug: the-lakes-distillery.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Wikipedia The Lakes Distillery article.
What makes The Lakes distinctive?
English single malt; the Reserve No. 7 was a historic edition.
The Lakes whisky bottles and releases
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
The Lakes Signature | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | English single malt; the Reserve No. 7 was a historic edition |
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No. 7 | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Historic or limited release. Confirm current availability. |
The table records named expressions, not live stock. Bottle strength and cask treatment can vary by market and release. Always consult the producer.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about The Lakes
Where is The Lakes based?
Cumbria, England.
Who owns The Lakes?
The Lakes Distillery.
What is notable about The Lakes?
English single malt; the Reserve No. 7 was a historic edition.
Which bottles does The Lakes have?
The Lakes Signature, The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No. 7. Releases and availability change.
Can you visit The Lakes?
Check the distillery's official visitor or tour information before making travel plans.
Sources and editorial checks
The original history, references and research remain in this guide. Whisky range and visitor information may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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