Dhavall Gandhi creates whisky venture

The former whisky director for The Lakes Distillery has established a new creative studio with the aim of ‘elevating the expectations’ of the whisky industry.

Dhavall Gandhi launched his namesake creative studio in January 2022, marking his first solo project and his exit from Cumbria-based The Lakes Distillery.

The venture, called Dhavall Gandhi Whisky, is described as the ‘private bank of the whisky consulting world’.

The new company will partner with firms with a shared passion for whisky to ‘define what is next’ for the category.

Gandhi said his company will work on projects that will be ‘creatively challenging’ such as exploratory concepts and stock transformation endeavours.

Gandhi has more than a decade of experience in the alcohol sector, beginning his whisky career at single malt maker The Macallan in 2014 before joining The Lakes Distillery two years later.

He has created a number of expressions for The Lakes Distillery in recent years, including the Whiskymaker’s Editions line and the Reserve range.

“I founded Dhavall Gandhi Whisky as a creative studio with an über-niche focus,” Gandhi explained.

“We believe that whisky is much more than how it tastes – it is about the emotional impact. Through creativity, thoughtful blending, and unrivalled expertise in Sherry casks, we can help create whiskies that lead to better human connections.”

The studio will continue to work with The Lakes Distillery, one of its first clients.

The company has secured customers in areas such as New York and Tokyo, and is working on multi-year ventures.

Gandhi will also work on a new project in September 2022, with details to be revealed in due course.