New and Rare Lagg Whisky Release Uses Manzanilla Casks

by Francis Moses

Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 08:51

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Another interesting whiskyrelease to the growing portfolio of Lagg Distillery is one that is very cask-influenced. The new single malt whisky is a small batch of which are approximately 2,000 bottles are available in the world market. And the influence for it comes from first fill Manzanilla Casks.

The new release comes after the previous Palo Cortado small batch of 2025, but the strategy in this case is a bit different. Rather than more full-bodied and serious sherry varieties, Lagg has decided to use Manzanilla which is considered lighter and more seashore based.

Manzanilla sherry is produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain and is aged in a layer of yeast known as flor. This provides it with a fresher profile, usually with some saline and almond hints, and this makes it a rather odd pairing with heavily peated whisky.

How the whisky was matured

The whisky began its journey in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels which is quite common and contributes to the creation of a strong foundation of sweetness and structure. It was then transferred into first-fill Manzanilla sherry casks where it spent more than one year.

It is the finishing that makes the whisky interesting, with the smoky essence of Lagg being combined with the light and slightly salty nature of the sherry casks.

Distillery manager Graham Omand explains that it was aimed at contrast and not to make everything too even. He indicated that Manzanilla casks provide another form of influence than the more popular sherry varieties.

'The aim is to highlight the contrast between Lagg’s robust, heavily peated spirit and the subtle maritime freshness and complexity that these unique fresh casks can bring to the whisky.'

What is the taste of Lagg Manzanila Finish?

Nose: Sweet syrup and maraschino cherries, with a slight warmness in the background.
Palate: Hot, sweet honey, red fruits spiced, cherry syrup, and a light salty edge, which brings some balance.
Finish: Long and warming, ashen smoke, dryness, and a slight briny scent.

It is bottled at 57.6% ABV, with no chill filtration or added colour, so the whisky is similar to the one that is coming out of the cask.

A distillery dedicated to peated nature

Lagg Distillery is located at the South end of the Isle of Arran and specializes in heavily peated whisky. This makes it contrast the Lochranza Distillery in the north of the island which distills unpeated single malts under the name Arran.

Combined, the two distilleries demonstrate how various styles can be produced by the same island, based on the manner in which the spirit is produced and aged.

Where can I buy Lagg Manzanila?

The Lagg Manzanilla Sherry Finish is currently sold in the market through a few whisky retailers around the world. It has a relatively small batch size, so it will probably be snatched away by peated whisky collectors and enthusiasts.

FAQ

What does Lagg Distillery specialize in?
Lagg is famous to produce single malt Scotch whisky that is heavily peated on the Isle of Arran.
What is Manzanilla sherry?
Manzanilla is a dry Spanish sherry that is light, fresh and slightly salty in nature.
Is this a limited release?
Yes, it is only approximately 2,000 bottles of this whisky that have been produced.