Lancaster Spirits Co. Ventures into Peated Single Malt Whisky with an Experimental 2026 Series

Lancaster Spirits Co. is thrilled to announce another landmark step in its journey as a distillery: the launch of a limited experimental peated single malt whisky programme, marking the first time the distillery has ventured into the world of smoky, phenolic spirit.

Still in its early years and with its first aged single malt not expected to reach the market until 2027 at the earliest, Lancaster Spirits Co is already looking to the future. The distillery will embark on a four-week peated whisky trial in 2026, producing an exclusive series of peated spirits at varying levels of peat influence, a bold move that demonstrates the ambition and forward-thinking approach at the heart of the Lancaster Spirits Co story. The programme is designed to explore the full spectrum of smoke-driven flavour and expand the distillery’s creative range before its first whisky even reaches the shelf.

Peated malt is measured in parts per million (PPM), a unit that quantifies the level of phenol, or smoke flavour, present in the barley following the peat-smoking process. For this trial, Lancaster Spirits Co will work with peated malt sourced from Crisp Maltings, starting at 50 PPM, producing a spirit with a notably robust and characterful smoky profile.

Over the course of the four-week trial, the distillery will fill five first-fill bourbon barrels per week, yielding a total of just 20 barrels of peated single malt for 2026. Each 200-litre bourbon barrel will be filled at 63.5% ABV, consistent with Lancaster Spirits Co’s existing unpeated spirit, and will be laid down for a minimum of three years before it can be legally considered single malt whisky. The new-make spirit will not be released for bottling at this stage.

Should the trial prove successful, the distillery intends to introduce peated production as an annual fixture, potentially extending to a four or six-week run in future years.

The move into peated spirit is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what Lancaster Spirits Co can offer its customers and the wider whisky community. Not only that, but the move also widens the spectrum of flavour profiles available to the distillery’s master blender, Max McFarlane, enabling him to experiment with a wide variety of aromas, textures and tastes when creating future expressions.

By introducing peated spirit into the distillery’s inventory, Lancaster Spirits Co gains an entirely new dimension of character to work with, from subtle earthy and smoky notes to richer, more intense peat influences. This added versatility provides greater creative freedom in both blending and maturation, allowing the team to craft more complex and distinctive whiskies that appeal to a broader range of whisky drinkers.

It also opens the door to innovative cask combinations and limited-edition releases, giving the distillery further opportunities to showcase its craftsmanship while continuing to evolve its house style. Ultimately, the introduction of peated spirit strengthens Lancaster Spirits Co’s ability to create unique, flavour-led whiskies that stand out in an increasingly diverse and competitive market.

“This is a genuinely exciting milestone for us as a distillery. Producing a peated spirit opens up a whole new world of flavour, allowing us to create a wider spectrum of depth and character within our single malt range. We’ve been careful and deliberate in our approach, which is why we’re starting with an experimental series rather than diving headfirst into full-scale production. We want to do this properly, learn from each barrel, and ultimately create something we, and our customers, are truly proud of.” Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager, Lancaster Spirits Co.

A small allocation of the 20 barrels will be made available for purchase, with casks priced at £4,200 each, consistent with the distillery’s existing first-fill bourbon barrel offering. Interest has already been significant: several casks have been pre-sold ahead of this announcement, and availability is expected to be limited.

Those interested in securing one of the remaining casks are encouraged to get in touch with the distillery directly as soon as possible.

Lancaster Spirits Co is an independent distillery based in Lancaster, England, dedicated to producing high-quality single malt spirit with a focus on craft, character, and transparency. The distillery’s unpeated single malt has built a loyal following, and the 2026 peated trial represents an exciting new chapter in its ongoing story.

To secure a cask, explore Lancaster Spirits Co’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit lancasterspirits.co.uk

Ardbeg “Dolce” 2026 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$99.99

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

If last month was about the less traditional, this month it’s all about the unconventional. This July we’re getting into the experimental stuff exploring different cask types, maturation journeys and unusual flavours. Sit back and enjoy the journey – whether it’s on holiday or simply in your back garden on a sunny afternoon. Our July Outturn is live – enjoy it!

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Independent bottler Whisky 1901 reveals new whisky range:

“The Ledger Series”

Independent bottler Whisky 1901 today announces the launch of its new whisky range: The Ledger Series – a collection of carefully chosen casks that celebrate the provenance, individuality and flavour of some of Scotland’s most acclaimed distilleries.

Founded as a modern independent bottler with a classic, luxury ethos, Whisky 1901 is dedicated to sourcing exceptional casks from highly respected distilleries, presenting each whisky in a way that honours its distillery heritage, story and character.

The first release in The Ledger Series, a Miltonduff Aged 18 Years, was bottled at the end of 2025, with an additional five expressions bottled in April 2026, joining it to offer an exceptional variety within the Series this month.

The Ledger Series takes its name from the tradition of record-keeping, giving a nod to the importance of documenting and showcasing each cask’s journey. Every release in the series is selected for its distinct profile and sense of place, offering whisky enthusiasts and collectors a curated snapshot of flavour, maturation and distillery ‘house style’. All of the bottlings carry age statements, currently ranging from 11 to 21 years.

The debut release, Miltonduff Aged 18 Years, set the tone for the range, bringing notable depth, richness and balance. It is followed by five further bottlings under The Ledger Series:

• Dailuaine Aged 12 Years
• Tamnavulin Aged 13 Years
• Ardmore Aged 12 Years
• Glen Garioch Aged 11 Years
• Invergordon Aged 21 Years

In addition to The Ledger Series, Whisky 1901 previously released its first bottling in 2024 of The Collection: a luxury annual release of an extremely rare cask carefully chosen by Matt Chambers, Whisky 1901’s Master of Whisky. Just two casks have been released under The Collection to date: *multi award-winning Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years (Best Single Cask Single Malt: Speyside, at The World Whisky Awards 2025) and Edition Two: Jura Aged 25 Years – setting the tone for future ultra-premium bottlings, available in very limited quantities.

Matt Chambers, Master of Whisky at Whisky 1901, commented: “The Ledger Series gives us the opportunity to focus entirely on the cask and the liquid’s personality. With the range, we’ve handpicked every whisky not just for its age, but for how it expresses its own distillery character. From the richness and depth of the Miltonduff Aged 18 Years to the vibrancy and structure found in the Ardmore Aged 12 Years, each cask tells its own story. Our aim has been to ensure that every bottling is balanced, distinctive and genuinely compelling in the glass. And because each cask bottling is different, once that cask has gone, it’s gone – offering a little piece of each distillery and cask history.”

Aaron Damiano Sparkes, CEO of Whisky 1901, said: “Whisky 1901 was founded to shine a light on exceptional casks, alongside the people and stories behind them. As a niche independent bottler, we believe in giving whisky lovers a careful selection of drams to enjoy, alongside genuine transparency,  letting each whisky speak for itself. Our new collection represents the beginning of that journey, and we’re proud to introduce whiskies that reflect the heritage and character of each distillery we’ve selected from.”

The Miltonduff Aged 18 Years was launched in March 2025, with the remaining expressions from The Ledger Series now available in limited quantities through specialist retailers and partners including Master of Malt and directly at  Whisky 1901 RRPs range from £125 – £160.

The Collection releases are available via registering to purchase at www.whisky1901.co.uk/the-collection.  Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years RRP: £1,325. The Collection Edition Two: Jura Aged 25 Years RRP: £500.

Whisky 1901 plans to continue expanding both ranges with future releases that explore a diverse range of distilleries, cask types and flavour profiles, building a portfolio that appeals to both seasoned collectors and curious enthusiasts.

Explore more about the new Whisky 1901 independent bottlings at www.whisky1901.co.uk

*Award-winning Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years has previously won Gold at The Luxury Masters 2024 (Spirits Business), Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). It was most recently award was Best Single Cask Single Malt in the Speyside category at The World Whisky Awards 2025. 

About Whisky 1901:

Whisky 1901 was originally founded as a cask investment business, giving the team extensive experience in sourcing, evaluating and managing high-quality Scotch whisky casks. This foundation naturally led to the creation of its independent bottling arm, allowing the company to explore and bottle its own casks in collaboration with some of Scotland’s finest distilleries.

This evolution provides Whisky 1901 with exceptional access to rare and high-quality casks, underpinning its commitment to releasing distinctive and characterful whiskies.

The Whisky 1901 brand is now the dedicated independent bottling business with the investment business rebranding as The 1901 Group.

The company will release between five and ten casks per year under The Ledger Series, alongside just one cask per year under its ultra-premium range, The Collection.

Whisky 1901 has already received industry recognition, with its whiskies earning awards at leading international spirits competitions, reinforcing its position as an emerging name in the independent bottling category.

Nestled in the Herefordshire countryside, Rosemaund Distillery produces small-batch English single malt whisky that reflects the character of its rural surroundings. Crafted with a focus on provenance, quality and patience, its whiskies are known for their fresh orchard fruit character, elegant balance and distinctive sense of place.

ORCHARD CUT
ENGLISH SINGLE MALT WHISKY

10 YEAR OLD · 70CL · 47.5% ABV

This 10 year old English Single Malt from Rosemaund Farm was matured exclusively in ex-bourbon oak casks, creating a whisky of remarkable freshness and vibrancy. Distinctive and characterful, it captures the essence of Herefordshire in every sip.

£124.95

VIEW MORE

NOSE

Fresh green apple and orchard blossom lead the way, complemented by cool cucumber skin and delicate hints of melon. Soft vanilla notes from the Heaven Hill and Jim Beam casks add subtle sweetness, while the overall aromatic profile remains lifted, clean and distinctly orchard-driven.

PALATE

Energetic and vibrant from the outset, with a buttery mouth-feel carrying flavours of green citrus oils and fresh herbs, reminiscent of thyme and perhaps even wild sorrel. As the whisky opens up, layers of white pepper spice emerge alongside a touch of savoury green pea, supported by a gentle oak structure that never dominates.

FINISH

Fresh and slightly savoury, with lingering notes of green fruit and soft spice.

Ledaig Castaway: A Tropical Twist

Ledaig (pronounced Led-chig) make an unapologetically smoky whisky, one that speaks of the Isle of Mull’s rugged coastline. Into this comes an exciting bottling that speaks of warmer climes, with a rare dual maturation in Mexican tequila and Caribbean rum casks.

Classic maritime peat meets grilled pineapple, lime zest and herbal agave in this vibrant single malt, a unique twist on the Ledaig you know.

​ SHOP NOW ​

The Whisky Cellar

Strathmill 15 Year old 2009 Private Cellars Collection

ABV: 56.9% 70 cL

SPRINGBANK 1994 VINTAGE

45.1% ABV

NOSE
Tropical fruit: dried pineapple and mango. Ripe melons, honey. Earthy, ‘old school Springbank’, sandalwood.

PALATE
Caramelised lemon meringue, custard cream, mango & pineapple, wood, toffee popcorn.

FINISH
Earthy, coconut, fresh basil, gorse bush.

UK RRP £1,000

The art of contrast

Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation

in latest single cask collection

Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, exploring the diverse relationship between spirit character and cask influence.

Following continued momentum throughout 2026 and growing demand for the company’s distinctive single cask releases, Rare Find’s newest collection brings together four carefully selected whiskies that demonstrate how different styles of maturation can shape, enhance and transform some of Scotland’s most compelling distillates.

From the clarity of 1st fill bourbon to the richness of Napa Valley red wine to the intensity of 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter casks, each release offers a unique perspective on the art of maturation. Together, they showcase the remarkable breadth of flavour that can be achieved when exceptional spirit is paired with exceptional wood.

This latest Rare Find collection brings together four distinctive single cask expressions that explore the relationship between spirit and wood across Highland, Speyside and Islay whisky styles. As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.

Blair Athol 12-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

Blair Athol is renowned for its rich, characterful spirit and distinctive Highland style. This single cask release has been matured a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, a perfect partnership that enhances the distillery’s natural depth and elegance while allowing its classic honeyed character to shine through.

Deanston 14-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

Known for its bright and approachable Highland character, Deanston’s waxy, cereal-led spirit has been matched with a first-fill Napa Valley red wine barrique. The result is a whisky that balances the distillery’s trademark sweetness with layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice and rich complexity.

Dalmunach 9-Year-Old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

As one of Speyside’s modern distilleries, Dalmunach produces a light, fruit-forward spirit that responds beautifully to active maturation. A 17-month finish in a first-fill oloroso seasoned quarter cask has amplified the whisky’s naturally vibrant character, adding depth, richness and a generous sherried influence.

Mystery Islay 9-Year-Old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

This unnamed Islay distillery produces a bold coastal spirit shaped by its maritime surroundings and traditional production methods. An extended finish in a first-fill oloroso sherry quarter cask has introduced layers of dried fruit, spice and richness, creating a compelling interplay between smoke, salinity and sherry influence.

Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab, Whisky Supply Manager for Rare Find, commented: “Every cask tells a different story, and this collection is all about showcasing those contrasts. Whether it’s the modesty of bourbon maturation, the influence of premium wine casks or the intensity that quarter cask sherry maturation can bring, each whisky demonstrates how carefully selected wood can reveal different dimensions of a distillery’s character. Together, they represent exactly what Rare Find seeks to achieve – exceptional single casks that offer something distinctive, memorable and genuinely worth discovering.”

The Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection will be available via Rare Find stockists from 2nd July 2026.

Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection

Blair Athol 12-year-old

Maturing in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

56.1%, 205 bottles

£75.00

NOSE Buttery shortbread, golden syrup, baked apples, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.

PALATE Rich and syrupy with orchard fruits, pastry, iced buns, and a touch of lemon.

FINISH Long on brown-sugar apples with subtle oak.

Deanston 14-year-old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

57.3%, 268 bottles

£95.00

NOSE Balsamic strawberries, fresh raspberries, buttery flapjack, with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

PALATE Ripe berries, plums, sultanas, golden syrup, and a touch of peppery spice.

FINISH Long, fruity, with drying cask spice. 

Dalmunach 9-year-old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

60.6%, 126 bottles

£70.00

NOSE Lemon sponge, vanilla custard, toffee, hedgerow berries, and a hint of ginger.

PALATE Fresh apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants, with toffee, chocolate walnut, and gingerbread.

FINISH Long, fruity, with developing citrus notes.

Mystery Islay 9-year-old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

57.9%, 186 bottles

£85.00

NOSE Briny, medicinal, lemon zest, maritime smoke, olive, sea salt, and malt.

PALATE Creamy toffee, berries, smoke, iodine, citrus, nuts, and mineral peat.

FINISH Long on driftwood, smoked lemon, and salt.

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.

www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk