Diageo’s 2019 Special Releases Collection is limited to just eight distilleries, however they are all single malt releases—unlike in year’s past where blended malts and single grains have been included. Significantly, each whisky is bottled at cask strength.
The 2019 Special Release collection was selected by master blender Dr. Craig Wilson. The theme for the collection is “Rare by Nature” which, according to Diageo, “celebrates the special, varied surroundings of each distillery, with each one delivering a different journey of discovery for the distillers and blenders who created them, and the whisky lovers who will enjoy them. Each transports you to its heartland, connecting you to that particular part of Scotland and the very people who shaped each dram.”
Of the eight releases, only the Pittyvaich 29 Year, Mortlach 26 Year and The Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Year will be available in the United States starting in November 2019. The other 5 whiskies will be available online at thewhiskyexchange.com, across Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia.
Note: The tasting note quotes below on each bottle are from Diageo, not Distiller.
Diageo’s 2019 Special Release Collection
Speyside
Cardhu 14 Year
“A supremely elegant and unique expression of our warm-hearted Speyside scotch.”
ABV: 55%
Maturation: Double matured in ex-Amontillado sherry seasoned hogsheads
Availability: Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: £120 / $155
Cragganmore 12 Year
“A complex and intriguing bottling that combines Speyside elegance with a touch of spice and smoke.”
ABV: 58.4%
Maturation: Medium peated, refill American oak casks
Availability: Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: £85 / $110
Mortlach 26 Year
“The beast of Dufftown at its most impressive.”
ABV: 53.3%
Maturation: Fresh toasted first fill PX & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks
Availability: United States, Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: $2,000
Pittyvaich 29 Year
“A rare sighting from this ghost distillery that delivers a mature and smooth single malt.”
ABV: 51.4%
Maturation: Double matured in PX & Oloroso sherry seasoned bodega casks
Availability: United States, Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: $430
Highlands
Dalwhinnie 30 Year
“An extra matured and unusual older expression which retains its undeniably gentle character.”
ABV: 54.7%
Maturation: Refill hogsheads and butts
Availability: Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: £500 / $643
The Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Year
“A different and delicious spicier expression previously never bottled.”
ABV: 55%
Maturation: Fresh charred American oak hogsheads
Availability: United States, Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: $170
Islay/Islands
Lagavulin 12 Year
“A truly spirited, yet youthful expression from our iconic Islay distillery, our home for over 200 years.”
ABV: 56.5%
Maturation: Refill American oak casks
Availability: Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: £110 / $141
Talisker 15 Year
“A sweet, yet deep and spicy bottling layered with unmistakable maritime flavors.”
ABV: 57.3%
Maturation: Freshly charred American oak hogsheads
Availability: Online, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and select markets in Asia
Price: £110 / $141
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