Diageo has announced the Australian launch of its ‘Rare by Nature’ inspired Special Releases collection, comprised of eight cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies.
This year’s line-up includes one-of-a-kind Scotch whiskies from Mortlach, Singleton Glen Ord, Caragganmore, Cardhu, Lagavulin, Talisker, Pittyvaich and Dalwhinnie, ranging from 12 to 30 years old and from 51.4% to 58.4% ABV.
The ‘Rare by Nature’ line-up guides both whisky lovers and newcomers across some of Scotland’s most hallowed whisky terrains, while the theme of this year’s collection celebrates what makes each distillery and their liquid unique, with distinctive maturation techniques, rare finishes and unexpected taste profiles.
For the first time, this theme has been translated both visually on the collections cask-strength bottlings and within the liquids.
“We are delighted to see that across the board, Malts are bringing new shoppers to whisky, and with the new approach to this year’s collection, we are hoping that the 15.6% growth in category in the last year will continue into 2020,” said Melissa Maidment, Whisky Marketing Manager. “While the likes of Talisker continue to be favoured among those both familiar and new to the category, we are looking forward to people being able to experience the other beautiful and more unique liquids in the 2019 Collection.”
Ewan Gunn, Diageo Global Whisky Master, added, “Discerning drinkers around the world will delight in this new Special Releases collection. From the hand selected Single Malt Scotch to the visually arresting bottles, they each tell a strong story of the extraordinary place and people who have shaped each dram. These prestigious and limited-edition bottlings offer fans an opportunity to collect and explore some of our rarest stocks.”
The rare and sought-after bottlings are released in limited batches, with many of the bottles being individually numbered.
The collection will be available in limited quantities across leading airports and specialist retailers in Australia from March 2020.
Full Diageo Special Releases collection details below:
Cardhu 14yo (55% ABV) $189.99 AU RRP: This deep gold whisky comes from a trial batch that was double matured for much longer than the norm in ex-Amontillado sherry-seasoned hogsheads. The result is a smooth and creamy whisky, which builds towards a spicy finish, that opens out and becomes marginally sweeter when water is added.
Cragganmore 12yo (58.4% ABV) $149.99 AU RRP: This expression builds on the smooth characteristics of whiskies from this Speyside distillery. A rich and sweet whisky that gives way to an appealingly smoky and spicy finish.
Dalwhinnie 30yo (54.7% ABV) $870.00 AU RRP: From the highest distillery in Scotland, this finely balanced whisky comes from 30 years in refill hogsheads and butts. A sweet and waxy taste dominates before a long and spicy finish, which is lengthened by a drop of water.
Lagavulin 12yo (56.5% ABV) $189.99 AU RRP: This powerful and peaty single malt has a mild nose with a slight prickle. As well as the intense smoky flavour, the whisky is smooth and unexpectedly sweet.
Mortlach 26yo (53.3% ABV) $2500.00 AU RRP: Rich and bold, this whisky was matured in first-fill Pedro Ximenez/oloroso-seasoned casks. It has a mellow nose before a rich and fruity palate and a long, spicy finish.
Pittyvaich 29yo (51.4% ABV) $520 AU RRP: A rare new release from the ghost Speyside distillery, which closed in 1993. The whisky is immediately rich and sweet with light flavours of dried fruits before a warm and gingery finish.
Singleton 18yo (55% ABV) $219.99 AU RRP: This Highland whisky has a subtle aroma with a trace of orange peel. The powerful palate starts with the sweetness of caramel and toffee, before a warming and complex spicy finish.
Talisker 15yo (57.3% ABV) $199.99 AU RRP. A new product from the Isle of Skye’s world-famous distillery, this is the first ever 15yo single malt from Talisker. The taste is full-bodied and rich at first, before giving way to the trademark long, spicy finish of a Talisker whisky.
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