Lagg Small Batch Manzanilla Sherry Single Malt Whisky

Lagg Single Malt Manzanilla Sherry Finish is a highly limited, cask-strength island single malt Scotch whisky produced at the Lagg Distillery on the southern tip of the Isle of Arran, Scotland. Opened in 2019 by Isle of Arran Distillers, Lagg represents a return to traditional, heavily peated whisky production on the island, deliberately contrasting with the unpeated, fruit-forward style of its northern sister facility, Lochranza Distillery. Launched globally on March 23, 2026, this expression represents the distillery's second exploration into rare and unusual sherry finishes, following their previous Palo Cortado small batch.

2. Spirit Description

The release bridges Lagg's robust, smoky distillate with rare casks from Sanlúcar de Barrameda—the coastal Andalusian town in Spain where Manzanilla sherry develops its uniquely crisp, saline profile under a layer of flor yeast. The spirit was initially matured in a combination of first- and second-fill ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into first-fill Manzanilla casks for a secondary finishing period of over one year.

• Colour: Clear and completely natural gold, bottled without any added colour.

• Aroma: The nose opens with a maritime wave of bonfire smoke, sea breeze, and coastal sea spray, balanced by delicate green olives, dry sherry spice, lemon peel, green apple, and toasted almonds.

• Palate: Rich, viscous, and oily. It begins with an initial layer of hot honey sweetness, spiced red fruits, and cherry syrup before transitioning into a heavy mid-palate of ashen bonfire smoke, black pepper, and vanilla cream, anchored by a distinctive salted minerality.

• Body: Robust and intensely coastal, showing an elegant equilibrium between heavily peated island malt and dry, savory wine architecture.

• Finish: Long, warming, and progressively drying. It emphasizes a briny, maritime character alongside cracked pepper, citrus oils, toasted oak, and a lingering nuttiness that fades into soft peat embers.

• ABV: Bottled at a powerful cask strength of 57.6% and produced entirely without chill-filtration.