Lancaster Spirits Co. has announced an exciting new milestone in its whisky-making journey with the launch of an experimental peated single malt whisky programme scheduled for 2026.
While the English distillery’s first aged single malt is not expected to reach the market before 2027, the team is already looking ahead by exploring the world of smoky whisky for the very first time. The four-week trial programme will see Lancaster Spirits Co. produce a limited series of peated spirits with varying levels of smoke influence, demonstrating the distillery’s ambitious and forward-thinking approach.
For the project, the distillery will use peated malt sourced from Crisp Maltings, beginning at 50 PPM (parts per million) phenol content, creating a spirit with a bold and distinctive smoky profile. PPM is the standard measurement used to indicate the level of peat-derived smoke compounds present in malted barley after the smoking process.
During the trial, Lancaster Spirits Co. will fill five first-fill bourbon barrels per week, resulting in a total of just 20 barrels of peated spirit. Each 200-litre cask will be filled at 63.5% ABV and matured for a minimum of three years before it can legally be classified as single malt whisky.
The initiative is designed to expand the distillery’s flavour spectrum and provide Master Blender Max McFarlane with new opportunities for future whisky creation. The addition of peated spirit will introduce an entirely new layer of character, ranging from subtle earthy smoke to richer and more intense peat-driven flavours.
The project also opens the door to innovative maturation experiments and future limited-edition releases, allowing Lancaster Spirits Co. to further develop its house style while appealing to a broader audience of whisky enthusiasts.
Commenting on the launch, Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager at Lancaster Spirits Co., said:
“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.”
A limited number of the 20 barrels will be available for private purchase at £4,200 per cask, matching the distillery’s existing first-fill bourbon barrel programme. Several casks have already been reserved ahead of the official announcement, and availability is expected to be extremely limited.
If the trial proves successful, Lancaster Spirits Co. plans to introduce peated production as an annual programme, potentially extending future runs to four or six weeks.
The experimental peated series represents another important step forward for the independent Lancashire distillery as it continues to build a reputation for craftsmanship, transparency, and flavour-led whisky production.
To secure a cask, explore Lancaster Spirits Co’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk
