Diageo’s nine-expression range, drawn from the group’s 28 single malt distilleries, has been released “in time for end of year celebrations”.
First introduced in 2001, the Special Release Series is the result of an examination of the distilleries’ stocks of “old, rare or unusual single malt whiskies”.
Dr Nick Morgan, spokesman for Diageo, said: “Some of these single malts are priced accessibly. Others, inevitably given their age and rarity, are very expensive.”
Of the range, two expressions have been drawn from the diminishing stocks of closed distilleries, while others are taken from those still in production.
Morgan said: “We know some people buy them as investments. But all are engaging, distinctive single malts made for enjoyment now, and of course in the case of Brora [30-year old] and Port Ellen [31-year old] they will never be made again.”
Also among the range are the Speyside expressions Auchroisk (20-year old), Glen Spey (21-year old) and Cragganmore (21-year old); Ise of Skye whiskies Talisker (30-year old), Lagavulin (12-year old) and Caol Ila (12-year old); and Glenkinchie (20 year-old) from the Lowlands.
The range is available in “most markets in Europe” and “selected global duty free outlets”, while all but the Brora and Port Ellen will be available in the US.
