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Introducing: The Lakes Single Malt Whisky – The Whiskymaker’s Editions : Reflections.

This brand new release from the Lakes Distillery, showcasing the best of the Lake District, Reflections is a collaboration with Lakes resident patron chef Simon Rogan from the incredible L’Enclume and with online exclusivity at House of Malt.

Together we celebrate, not just past achievements but also the possibilities that lie ahead. Reflections is guided by earthly connections, grounded by a sense of place and stimulative of deep contemplation at meaningful moments in time. Restrained, elegant and light, but also incredibly vibrant, Reflections is autumnal Lakes in character, with spiced pumpkin and fragrant woodspice evolving into apple compote and warming cinnamon and a long, reflective finish. Non-chill filtered and natural colour, bottled at 54% ABV.

Lakes Distillery Reflections

Click here to order now

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Exploring Calvados

Where is Calvados?
Calvados, which is located in Lower Normandy. It is distinguished by the charming Pays d’Auge countryside with its apple orchards and half-timbered homes, some of which have what the French know as “colombage” thatched roofs. The area’s economy is dominated by agriculture, and the region’s famed culinary creations frequently use butter, cheese (particularly Camembert and Pont-l’Eveque), cider, and Calvados – the apple brandy that bears the region’s name. If you’re a lover of fresh cuisine, Calvados offers a huge variety of fresh fish and shellfish served “à la Normande” with a superb choice of local produce from market stalls offering colourful fresh fruit and vegetables.

What kind of alcohol is Calvados?
Calvados is a cider or perry eau-de-vie and not an apple or pear eau-de-vie — i.e. it is obtained from fruit that has already been fermented. It is dependent on the terroir, the varieties harvested, their quality and quantity, and the nature of the cider or perry made from these fruits. A good example of a fine Calvados is Christian Drouin 10 Year Old

What’s the connection between Calvados and whisky?
Since the ground-breaking 2019 amendments, Calvados casks have been permitted to be used for maturing or “finishing” whisky. Many distilleries have been experimenting with Calvados casks to delicious results. For example, Deanston 2007 Calvados Cask Finish is a superb, light golden coloured whisky with notes of sharp green apple, citrus zest and sweet caramel.

We highly recommend giving Calvados a try, have a look at the range available here, why not try side by side with a Calvados finished whisky to compare and contrast. Happy sampling – Team HoM.


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In the spirit of giving (Part 1)

As the unspeakably fast approaching, unmentionable festive period of gift giving dawns upon us we have been stocking up on goodies to give to loved ones or to bequeath to oneself to simply take the edge off of the coming excitement!

Gin David

Have you met David? Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Tuscany this handsome chap is not just a pretty face. The cleanest, most crisp gin to grace the shelves of House Of Malt it boasts prominent notes of juniper, coriander and sweet orange peel.  It was created with a “Thirst of Magnificence” in mind and we happen to think it achieved this quite nicely. Ideal for the gin aficionado in your life that you’re looking to impress! https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/gin-david-luxury-gin/

Crystal Head Vodka Range

From the OG Ghostbuster Dan Ackroyd himself comes the Crystal Head Vodka range. From the highest quality peaches and cream corn this four-time distilled premium vodka is blended with pristine Canadian water and filtered through…DIAMONDS! We have the regular 70cl but for something rather outlandishly spectacular we also have the 1.75 litre magnums. As if that wasn’t enough food for thought we also have the epically designed John Alexander edition. For the ever so difficult to buy for… look no further because I bet they don’t have this! https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/?s=crystal+head+vodka&post_type=product&title=1&excerpt=1&content=1&categories=1&attributes=1&tags=1&sku=1&ixwps=1

Gift Packs!Gift Packs! Gift Packs!

Back to the drams we have a selection of glass packs from some of the finest whisky distilleries in all the land. Certainly, two whiskies that need no introduction, Islay darlings Port Charlotte and Bruchladdich to name but two! . We also have gift sets from Talisker, Glendronach, Glen Moray and many more. https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/?s=glass+pack&post_type=product&title=1&excerpt=1&content=1&categories=1&attributes=1&tags=1&sku=1&ixwps=1

Kilchoman Machir Bay and Sanaig 20cl Gift Pack

Finally, from Kilchoman comes a gift that any smoke show whisky fan will delight in, Kilchoman Machir Bay & Sanaig 20cl Gift Pack. Embodying the best of both worlds we have Sanaig aged in both bourbon and sherry casks with hints of smokey plum, butterscotch and dried fruit and Machir Bay championing the sweet peatiness the distillery is renowned for. https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/kilchoman-machir-bay-sanaig-20cl-gift-pack/

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Greetings Whisky Fans…

Here at House of Malt we are partial to the belief that every season is Whisky season. However, as the greens turn to amber’s and gold and we’re greeted by the old familiar nip of the cold, as the nights grow longer and darker, we find that to resist one’s favourite dram becomes that much harder.

Seeing as we are spoilt for choice here in the whisky shop of wonder’s we thought that it was only fair that we share with you what is warming our cockles on these mild Autumn nights. From single malt to single grain, form Scotland to Japan we have a dram for every budget and every pallet.

Douglas Laing Old Particular Port Dundas 13 Year Old Single Cask Grain Whisky

First up is the Douglas Laing bottling of the Port Dundas 13 Single grain. This one was distilled in July 2004 and matured in American Oak barrels until it’s bottling for the Old Particular range in March 2018. On the nose we have Cadbury’s chocolate eclairs and a hint of orchard fruit. The pallet is a delight of mixed berries and a generous helping of clotted cream finishing up with tart citrus notes cutting through the decadent sweetness. https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/port-dundas-13-year-old-single-grain-single-cask-scotch-whisky-old-particular/

Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (2019 release)

We’ve been making all the googley eyes at Arran 10’s spectacular re-brand of late and it would be rude not to revisit their core staple. Herbaceous on the nose channelling the plush, green fields of Arran, this easy drinking single malt is reminiscent of sweet cheesecake base and rich apple sauce. A slight bitterness on the end but it’s so damn good looking we forgive it!https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/isle-of-arran-10-year-old-single-malt-whisky/

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blended Whisky

Thanks to the fresh drop of Hibiki Harmony at the shop we’ve been obliged once more to indulge in the treat from the East. This is a honeyed berry bomb on the nose and the pallet kicks in with an irresistible, buttery, sticky toffee pudding before giving way to a peppery, oak abundant finish. Sweet and fragrant and extremely moreish. This blend takes whiskey from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, as well as grain whisky from the Chita distillery. 5 different cask types were used  but we’ll see if you can guess them?https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/hibiki-japanese-harmony/

Brora 40 Year Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition

Setting phasers to stun for our final pick we are lucky to have in our possession the exclusive Brora 40-Year-old that was limited to a bottling of just 1,819 bottles from their 1978 Hogsheads. At 49.2% abv we have wax and leather intertwine seamlessly in this seductively smooth, powerful and darkly sweet whisky. With a slight tease of Tobacco and reek at the end, this is a rich delicacy for the coming winter months.https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/brora40yearold200/