Diageo Special Releases 2024

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Diageo’s Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky collection is here! Created as a testament to the artistry of craft and flavour exploration, this year's theme is 'Spirited Xchange Second Edition', a continuation of last year's challenge of expectations in craft and whisky experiences. The 2024 series asks 'what if’?, building on the two decades-long legacy of Special Releases, a collection that has continuously celebrated exceptional and rare whiskies. Crafted under the guidance of Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison, it features eight rare and collectable single malts.

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Eight special new whiskies

Singleton: Glen Ord 14YO – Autumn Walk

Imagine walking through a forest on the slopes of the Pyrenees—a perfect moment of carefree joy. Autumn leaves blanket the ground, their reds and oranges surrounding you. Golden rays filter through the canopy, casting light across a gradient sky. That's the scenario that inspired this single malt whisky's creation.

This 14-year-old expression from The Singleton Glen Ord is aged entirely in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, with a lively finish from Pyrenean and Spanish oak cask ends. Experience vibrant orchard fruit flavours, fragrant aromatics, and grassy notes as crisp as the mountain air, balanced by a comforting sweetness that blooms with vanilla, toffee, and spice. Immerse yourself in a moment where Autumn's vivid light meets the rich warmth of this exquisite whisky.

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Tasting Notes

Nose:

A mellow nose in feel; mild overall. The first aromas suggest an orange cream cake filling, becoming orange sponge cake with a hint of vanilla. Beneath this lie a faintly waxy suggestion of flaked almonds and a light ‘green’ note, suggesting sugar snap peas or mange tout. A drop of water increases the waxy note.

Palate:

A creamy texture, which is quite tooth-coating. The taste starts sweet and centre palate, becoming tart, with a strong hint of Seville orange peel, then drying gently as it shows its fierier side with some peppery spiciness. A drop of water sweetens the taste and reduces the tartness yet does not alter the overall profile.

Finish:

Long, warming, and spicy, with a mouth-cooling aftertaste. Still spicy with a dash of water.

The special release range

Mortlach: Midnight Dusk

Unusually light and fresh notes, this is a Mortlach that is both exotic and appetising. This delightful whisky steps away from Mortlach's darker notes, embracing rich new layers of indulgent character, enhanced by its expert finishing. Its distinctive flavour profile makes this single malt a perfect choice for enjoying during the aperitivo hour.

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Talisker: 8YO – Tidal Churn

This bold and distinctive Talisker boasts an elemental character, delivering a powerful, spicy taste that redefines the concept of "maritime spiciness". Crafted to highlight Talisker's rugged essence, this uniquely finished expression dials down the malt, sweetness, and smoke to create a robust, salty-spicy malt that’s truly a force of nature.

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Lagavulin: 12YO – Fireside Tales

This is an exceptional example of Lagavulin, full-bodied and true to its character, yet with a surprisingly sweet undertone. While maintaining the classic phenolic and bold profile, this unique expression reveals a softer, sweeter, and spicier side to Islay's mighty king, making it an irresistibly delicious whisky to enjoy.

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Caol Ila: 11YO – Ambrosial Feast

An intriguing unpeated Caol Ila, offering a true journey of discovery. This rare and unexpected expression reveals a different side of Caol Ila, free from the typical smoky, "fresh clean" notes. Instead, it presents a lighter, smoother, and fruitier profile, while maintaining the same sense of urgency in its distinctive and compelling flavour.

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Oban: 10YO – Coastal Orchard

A vibrant and dynamic Oban, full of life and energy. This exciting new expression masterfully brings the distillery's signature character together with three special companions—fruitiness, spice, and pure zest.

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Roseisle: 12YO – Origami Kite II

This second-ever expression of Roseisle is a masterful creation, with seamlessly integrated aromas and elevated flavours that defy the complexity of its blend—crafted from three distinct spirit streams aged in diverse cask types. A notably rounded single malt, expertly balanced with a refined and subtle flavour profile.

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Benrinnes: 21YO – Grand Crescendo

This mature Benrinnes is a deep, full-flavoured dram, offering vibrant waves of rich fruitiness while maintaining excellent balance—making it a delight to savour at any time. A rare and well-balanced whisky, rich in both taste and enjoyment, perfect for any occasion.

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