A Toast to The One: My New Favourite Blended Whisky for Under £40

I tried something today that I just had to write about. With Father's Day around the corner, I found myself thinking more deeply than usual about those little moments that bring comfort, reflection, and quiet joy. The kind of moments you want to savour slowly, ideally with a dram of something special in hand. Enter The One Fine Blended Whisky by the Lakes Distillery.
Now, I’ve tasted a fair few whiskies in my time , single malts, blends, the odd cask-strength bottle reserved for occasions that call for serious contemplation. But I’ll be honest, finding a whisky under £40 that feels genuinely well-crafted and complex is no easy feat. So, when I poured a glass of The One this afternoon, a day before Father's Day, I wasn’t expecting to be so pleasantly surprised.
From the first sip, it was clear: this isn’t just another budget blend. It’s balanced, refined and, dare I say, rather elegant. There's something quietly impressive about it, a whisky that doesn’t shout for attention but certainly earns it.
First Impressions
Let’s start with the nose. Straight away, I caught notes of fresh orchard fruit, apples and pears, that crisp, inviting sweetness. There’s also a warm layer of butterscotch underneath, and just the faintest hint of smoke, like a distant log fire. It’s the sort of aroma that immediately slows your pace, you just want to take your time with it.
On the palate, The One really lives up to its name. Smooth, rounded, and surprisingly layered. Vanilla custard comes through first, comforting and familiar, followed by lightly honeyed fruits that dance across the tongue. Then, a touch of warming spice kicks in, just enough to keep things interesting without overpowering the gentler flavours. It’s that sort of balance that’s so often missing in blends at this price point.
The Craft Behind the Character
I later read that this is a blend of select grain and malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside and Islay, with The Lakes Single Malt at its core. That makes a lot of sense. The richness of the Speyside malts, the subtle smokiness of Islay, and the distinctive depth from The Lakes itself, it’s all there, layered together seamlessly.
And what really impressed me? It’s non-chill filtered and bottled at its natural colour. For those who aren’t whisky nerds, that means the flavour hasn’t been tampered with. You get the whisky as it was meant to be, fuller, richer, more authentic.
Versatility Done Right
What makes The One stand out is its versatility. This is a whisky you can pour neat and enjoy on a quiet evening. It works just as well with a splash of water or a cube of ice. And in a highball? Absolutely brilliant, light, refreshing, but still with that distinctive whisky backbone.
I can imagine this bottle being a great companion through the seasons. A dram in the winter by the fire, or poured over ice on a warm summer evening in the garden. It’s not showy or flashy. It’s just, reliable. Solid. Remarkably enjoyable.
A Thought for Father’s Day
As I sit with this glass in hand, I can’t help but think how perfect this would be as a Father’s Day gift. Whether you're raising a glass to your dad, your grandfather, or to being a father yourself (as I now find myself doing), The One feels like a fitting tribute. It’s quietly strong, gently complex, and warm-hearted much like the father figures we celebrate this weekend.
For under £40, it’s hands-down one of the best blends I’ve tried in recent years. And with the Lakes Distillery’s reputation for craftsmanship and care, it feels like more than just a good whisky at a good price, it feels like a thoughtful one too.
So if you're looking for something new to try, or still hunting for that last-minute Father’s Day gift, I genuinely recommend giving The One Fine Blended Whisky a go. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest name can carry the most meaning.
Cheers to The One. And to all the dads out there.

Founder of this eponymous blog, focusing on men's fashion & lifestyle.