Diageo has launched the 2020 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, inspired by the theme ‘Rare by Nature’.
Curated by Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson the exclusive selection comprises eight cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting distilleries.
The highly anticipated annual collection once again explores unusual age points and experimental maturation techniques.
It embraces Diageo’s first-ever release finished in pot-still Caribbean rum casks.
The encore theme highlights the extraordinary nature that surrounds each distillery, with each whisky visually brought to life through intricate illustrations that decorate the bottles.
Dr Wilson said: “I’ve created this year’s Special Releases Collection from some of my favorite distilleries across Scotland, with whisky enthusiasts in mind. For those who enjoy spicy flavours, my recommendation would be to try our Cardhu, and for those who favour rich, intense and smooth flavours my choice would be Mortlach 21 year old. If you are curious about discovering something very rare, the Pittyvaich – the single ghost distillery in our Special Releases Collection – this year is an unforgettable dram.”
Rare by Nature: The Diageo 2020 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection offers eight vibrant expressions
This one of a kind line-up highlights the diversity of Diageo’s most-treasured reserves maturing in Scotland, the company noted.
The 2020 Special Releases collection will be available in limited quantities from specialist Scotch whisky retailers, including selected airport duty free stores and malts.com this Autumn. Target markets include the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and certain Asian countries.
The 2020 Special Releases collection
Cardhu 11-Year-Old
ABV: 56.0%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From refill, new, and ex-bourbon American oak
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £85 (US$113)
Cragganmore 20-Year-Old
ABV: 55.8%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From refill casks and new fresh-charred casks.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £130 (US$173)
Dalwhinnie 30-Year-Old
ABV: 51.9%
Region: Highland
Cask: From refill hogsheads
Number of bottles available: 6,978
RRSP £550 (US$732)
(Left to right) Cragganmore 20-Year-Old; Cardhu 11-Year-Old; Dalwhinnie 30-Year-Old
Lagavulin 12-Year-Old
ABV: 56.4%
Region: Islay
Cask: From refill American oak casks
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £125 (US$166)
Mortlach 21-Year-Old
ABV: 56.9%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks
Number of bottles available: 7,692
RRSP £575 (US$765)
Pittyvaich 30-Year-Old
ABV: 50.8%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From first fill ex-bourbon casks
Number of bottles available: 7,056
RRSP £400 (US$532)
(Top left to bottom) Lagavulin 12-Year-Old; Mortlach 21-Year-Old; Pittyvaich 30-Year-Old
Talisker 8-Year-Old
ABV: 57.9%
Region: Isle of Skye
Cask: From pot-still Caribbean rum casks.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £90 (US$120)
The Singleton of Dufftown 17-Year-Old
ABV: 55.1%
Region: Highland
Cask: Matured only in refill American oak hogsheads.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £110 (US$146)
(Left) Talisker 8-Year-Old; (right) The Singleton of Dufftown 17-Year-Old
Footnote: As reported, Diageo Global Travel is a Platinum Partner for the highly anticipated Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.
The maker of Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Tanqueray, The Singleton and an eclectic range of brands across multiple categories will be showcasing its spirits category strategy at the Expo. “Diageo will share the consumer-centric growth levers that can drive market share and premiumisation, as well as plans to accelerate the development of an omnichannel retail ecosystem,” the company said.
