The Ayrshire-based Lochlea Distillery has announced the launch of its second annual Red Wine Cask Series release.

Lochlea Red Wine Cask 2026 (46% ABV) is a non-age-stated single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels before being finished in Sangiovese Red Wine casks from Tuscany, Italy.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition launched last year, this latest expression marks the second instalment in what is described by the brand as its vibrant and evolving wine cask series, which showcases the farm-to-cask distillery’s innovative approach to cask management. It sits alongside Lochlea’s core Single Estate range, a permanent collection of single malts launched in summer 2025.

The Red Wine Cask series is an annual limited-edition release inspired by the art of finishing mature spirit in carefully selected red wine casks from different wine-producing regions. Each year introduces a distinct expression shaped by the character of the wine casks chosen to complement Lochlea’s signature house style, with only a limited number of bottles available.

Lochlea Red Wine Cask 2026 is said to deliver notes of red berries, baked apples, honey and gentle spice on the nose, followed by red berries, nuts, spice and oak on the palate.

Lochlea is one of only two Scotch distilleries to grow its own barley on-site. Every stage of production – from field to cask – is carried out at the distillery in Ayrshire. This end-to-end control ensures exceptional quality, provenance and a distinctive house character across all releases.

Commenting on the launch, Darren McCormick, Lochlea’s Distillery Manager, said: “Our latest Red Wine Cask expression deepens our signature style with this type of cask, building on the 2025 release, which was finished in Grenache casks from the south of France. We want to set the tone for 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 will be available from May 28th through selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £55.00.