English single malt whisky has, in the space of a decade, moved from curiosity to credible contender. The Lakes The Whiskymaker's Editions Iris is a release that sits firmly in that latter camp — a cask-strength expression bottled at a muscular 56% ABV, carrying no age statement but plenty of intent. This is part of The Lakes Distillery's Whiskymaker's Editions series, a line that has consistently demonstrated a willingness to let the whiskymaker's blending philosophy speak louder than any number on the label.
I should say upfront: I came to English whisky later than most in this profession. Scottish single malt was my education, my career, and frankly my comfort zone. But releases like Iris make the case that good whisky is about craft, not postcodes. At 56%, this is not a whisky that arrives quietly. It announces itself. The cask strength bottling is a deliberate choice — no dilution, no concession — and it tells you something about the confidence behind this liquid.
What to Expect
The Whiskymaker's Editions are built around the art of blending different cask types, and Iris follows that tradition. Without confirmed tasting notes from the distillery, I won't fabricate specifics, but the series has become known for balancing sherry-influenced richness with lighter, more floral qualities — the name Iris itself suggests something aromatic and layered. At this strength, expect the whisky to open up considerably with a few drops of water. There is real density here, the kind of weight that rewards patience and a slow pour.
The NAS designation will divide opinion, as it always does. My view is straightforward: if the liquid justifies the price, the absence of an age statement is irrelevant. At £87.95, Iris is not cheap, but it is competitive for a cask-strength English single malt from a distillery that has invested seriously in quality. You are paying for the whiskymaker's skill in cask selection and vatting, not for a number.
The Verdict
I am giving The Lakes Iris a 7.6 out of 10. It is a well-constructed, serious whisky that demonstrates genuine ambition. The cask strength bottling rewards engagement — this is not something to rush through. It earns its place on the shelf beside more established single malts, and at this price point, it offers a compelling argument for English whisky's continued rise. My only reservation is that the NAS format, while defensible, does ask the drinker to take a certain amount on trust. That trust, in this case, is well placed.
Best Served
Pour it neat first and sit with it. At 56%, the alcohol will assert itself, so after your initial sip, add a small splash of cool, still water — no more than a teaspoon — and let it rest for a minute. This will open the whisky up without drowning its character. A proper nosing glass, a Glencairn or similar, is essential at this strength. This is an armchair whisky, not a cocktail ingredient. Give it the time it asks for.
