Lagg Manzanilla Sherry Finish: A Contrast-Driven Release

Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran pushes the boundaries of peated whisky with this distinctive single malt finished in first-fill Manzanilla sherry casks. The release pairs Lagg's robust, heavily peated spirit with the subtle maritime freshness of Manzanilla sherry from Sanlúcar de Barrameda—a deliberately unconventional pairing. Limited to approximately 2,000 bottles, this March 2026 release demonstrates the distillery's willingness to experiment beyond conventional sherry finishes.

The whisky was initially matured in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels, establishing a foundation of sweetness and structure, before spending over a year in first-fill Manzanilla casks. Bottled at 57.6% ABV without chill filtration or added colour, it represents the spirit as it emerges from the cask. Distillery manager Graham Omand explains the philosophy: the aim is to highlight contrast rather than harmony, allowing Manzanilla's unique maritime complexity to complement rather than mask Lagg's peated character.

On the nose, dried fruit, caramel, and honey emerge with a salty edge. The palate reveals toffee and honey balanced against peppery notes and a saline character that provides crucial equilibrium. The finish is long and warming, with smoke, burnt notes, and briny complexity. This is a release for peated whisky enthusiasts seeking something genuinely different.