Lochlea Red Wine Cask returns for second year
Family-owned Lochlea Distillery has launched its second annual limited edition single malt in its Wine Cask series, finished in Sangiovese casks from Tuscany.
Lochlea launched its annual Red Wine Cask series last year, with the inaugural expression finished in Italian Grenache wine casks.
The series is inspired by the art of maturing spirits in select red wine casks from various wine-making regions. Each year showcases a unique expression, shaped by the character of the chosen wine casks that complement Lochlea’s signature house style. Only a limited number of bottles will be available each year.
For the second edition, the Scottish distiller aged its spirit in first-fill Bourbon barrels before finishing it in Sangiovese wine casks from Tuscany, Italy.
The result is a ‘rich and velvety’ dram that offers layers of sweetness and complexity at 46% ABV.
On the nose, it offers aromas of red berries, baked apples, and hints of honey complemented by gentle spices. The palate reveals a creamy texture filled with red-berry and nutty flavours, culminating in a finish characterised by soft spices and oak.
Darren McCormick, distillery manager at Lochlea, said: “Our latest Red Wine Cask expression deepens our signature style with this type of cask, building on the 2025 release that was finished in Grenache casks from the south of France.
“We want to set the tone for our future releases in the series, while reinforcing our commitment to flavour exploration and creating limited edition whiskies that perfectly complement our core range.”
Lochlea Red Wine Cask 2026 is now available from specialist retailers, with an RRP of £55 (US$73).
The limited edition sits alongside the brand’s core whisky range, which includes Calvados-finished Orchard & Oak; Dark Briar, aged in Sherry and port casks; Smoke Without Fire, partially aged in ex-peated refill barrels; and Our Barley, made with barley grown at the distillery estate in Ayrshire.
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