Lakes Distillery

English Craftsmanship in The Lake District

A new chapter in English distilling began in 2014 when Paul Currie founded The Lakes Distillery and placed design and research at the heart of every fermentation and distillation decision. Modern stainless-steel washbacks stand alongside traditional wooden versions, while copper pot stills and column stills work in harmony. This blend of old and new yields spirits that honor tradition yet embrace forward-thinking techniques.

Unique ingredients from a special place

Everything starts with mineral-rich spring water drawn from the River Derwent and filtered through ancient peat. This water lends a silky mouthfeel, refined finish, and a clean, consistent flavor profile.

• Barley is sourced from farms within a 50 km radius, ensuring freshness and full traceability.

• Proprietary yeast strains developed in our R&D lab accentuate regional notes of apple and green herbs.

• Hand-harvested botanicals—from juniper berries to wild thyme—capture the Lake District’s true sense of place.

• The area’s rolling elevations and fluctuating climate promote slow, steady maturation, allowing complex flavors and subtle oak nuances to develop.

Innovation as a driving force

Unlike many traditional producers, The Lakes Distillery heavily invests in its own R&D:

• In our laboratory, we continuously experiment with wild yeast strains and 20 L pilot casks to create rare floral and fruit-driven nuances.

• Climate-controlled maturation rooms simulate a full year of ageing in a single quarter, accelerating product development without sacrificing complexity.

• Our in-house cooperage inspects and matches each stave by density, wood type, and origin to craft perfectly tailored finishes.

• On-site toasting and repair grant us complete control over temperature and intensity, ensuring each cask finish elevates complexity and refinement.

• Real-time sensors track sugar consumption, pH, and alcohol levels per batch, while historical data analysis fine-tunes fermentation and maturation parameters for predictable, consistent results.

Sustainability embedded in every process

Environmental stewardship is central to our operations:

• Advanced water treatment and reuse minimize waste by cleaning and recirculating wort-cooling water and biologically purifying spent cask wash for return to the Derwent.

• Spent grain (draff) becomes nutritious feed for local farmers, and captured fermentation gas generates renewable energy.

• Energy-efficient boilers, LED lighting, and reclaiming still-house heat for wort pre-heating reduce our gas consumption. Solar panels supply up to 30 % of our annual electricity needs.

• Partnering with local suppliers shortens transport distances, lowers CO₂ emissions, and boosts the regional economy. Annual audits ensure every link meets our rigorous sustainability standards.

Why The Lakes Distillery is unique

The combination of groundbreaking design, state-of-the-art innovation, and an intimate connection to the Lake District landscape makes The Lakes Distillery one of England’s most progressive and characterful distilleries. Every drop reflects craftsmanship, adventure, and the rugged beauty of Cumbria.