In April 2026 Lagg distillery released this whisky, which is often referred to as a distillery exclusive, but which is also found in plenty of shops. It is a Small Batch release, peated to 50 ppm and finished in first-fill ex-Manzanilla Sherry Casks.
That’s what it says on the label, but it’s actually a contradictio in terminis. Manzanilla is not a sherry – it shares a lot of similarities with sherry wines but it has its own denomination of origin. You’ll never find the word ‘sherry’ on a Manzanilla wine and people from Sanlúcar can be quite annoyed when you call their wine sherry.
Lagg Small Batch – Manzanilla casks (57,6%, OB 2026, 2000 btl.)
Nose: rich smoke appears with lemon pie and a hint of sweet malt. Also ashy notes, a subtle coastal hint of iodine and chamomile, which is very typical of Manzanilla indeed. The sweetness comes from the bourbon wood of course, think sugared almond, vanilla and gooseberries. Light floral tones, maybe even patchouli at some point. Plenty of brine and some hay in the background.
Mouth: raw and rather phenolic peat, with a bit of an alcoholic kick. Then sweet dates, vanilla, sweet barley and yellow apple. Big hints of cracked black peppercorns, as well as some chilli. The dry and coastal character of Manzanilla is present, but also a faint hint of tequila and a light vegetal edge. Also ginger, nutmeg and dried grassy notes. A hint of coffee biscuits in the end – that could be the high strength.
Finish: long, smoky, on salty liquorice, green pepper, charred herbs and hints of bitumen.
Big whisky. The Manzanilla and bourbon cask both leave their footprint, in a fairly balanced way. The peaty intensity stands out most. A nice bottling with a well-dosed finish. Still available from The Whisky Exchange.