DISCOVER OUR 8 EXPRESSIONS
The Diageo Special Releases for 2024 are here! The Spirited Xchange Second Edition, builds on last year’s success to create a collection that delivers a journey of rarity, richness and imagination.
Discover our eight expressions
"This collection is about curiosity and what happens when you challenge yourself to think ‘what if’. This has led us to explore a variety of exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for The Singleton, to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavour to its unmistakably umami identity. We are excited for whisky lovers to experience it" - master blender, Dr Stuart Morrison.
The Spirited Xchange Second Edition
While the 2023 Year 1 Spirited Xchange was about transcending traditional whisky-making through global cultures and innovative flavours, this Diageo release challenges expectations in craft and whisky experience with a simple question, 'what if?’
Singleton: Glen Ord 14YO – Autumn Walk
"What if we made a whisky bathed in the soft warmth of autumn light? Picture walking through a forest on the slopes of a Pyrenean mountain – a perfect moment of carefree joy. Fallen Autumn leaves carpet the path ahead, conversations cocooned by red and orange. Look up. Rays of golden light split between the canopy, framing a gradient sky".
Matured in first-fill bourbon casks, then part-finished with the lively influence of Pyrenean and Spanish oak cask ends, this intriguing new expression of The Singleton of Glen Ord offers rich flavours with an unexpected spicy complexity. It’s a refined and complex single malt, delivering a sweeter, spicier, and drier profile compared to other expressions, while still preserving the distillery’s signature notes of orange peel and candle wax.
Mortlach: Midnight Dusk
"What if a whisky could rival the apertivo moment? Aperitivo hours made decadent by The Beast of Dufftown; the evening sun twisted into dark invitation. Mortlach channels a new dimension of dusk in this bold expression".
This non age statement single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside distillery Mortlach was dinished in casks that formerly held sweet Ramandolo white wine, and earthy Sangiovese red.
Expect layered crisp fruit, caramelised miso and a hint of cured prosciutto notes emerge for an audaciously umami and fruity flavour.
It was bottled at 57.5% ABV.
Talisker: 8YO – Tidal Churn
"What if a whisky could channel the power of the ocean tides? For this 8-year-old expression, plunge into oceanic wilderness. A world of flavour lies beneath that signature maritime smoke. Experience the underlying notes unleashed by stone-spun casks".
To create this Talisker single malt, Diageo polished the original layers in a whisky barrel with rocks and water, utlising an old stone-spun techniques not seen in whisky production before. These casks are then lightly re-toasted, allowing fruity and vanilla characters to rise up. Selected from whiskies of rumbling smoke, underlying flavours pierce through. Waves of pear and apple emerge alongside blades of seaweed, pepper and spice.
Bottled at 58.7% ABV.
Lagavulin: 12YO – Fireside Tales
"What is smoke was tamed into inviting sweetness? Awaken a Scotch whisky that bears the tales of oak, like a warm memory that takes hold. Just as Islay folk fall quiet settling into fireside storytelling, and a burning fire turns to gentle embers, we reveal a softer dimension to the legend of Lagavulin".
The Lagavulin character becomes sweeter and gentler in this expression thanks to its mautration in first-fill bourbon and refill casks for a lush and glazed aroma. A classic phenolic and powerful Lagavulin, this unusual expression shows that there can also be a softer, sweeter, spicier side to the mighty king of Islay.
Expect notes of thick toffee, vanilla, and coconut, unfurling with aromatic spice.
Bottled at 57.4% ABV.
Caol Ila: 11YO – Ambrosial Feast
"What if there was a whisky worthy of mythical ambrosia? Ascend into flavours worthy of legend, and experience taste as if it were wrapped in bright billowy clouds and painted in the hues of highland sunlight. A whisky that could inspire an otherworldly feast".
A most unexpected Caol Ila (many would not guess it to be one), this rare unpeated expression has none of the peated make’s smoky and ‘fresh clean’ nature. Its new and compelling taste explores the lighter, smoother, fruitier side of the spirit. Shorter fermentation bears cloudy worts that make for a gloriously creamy, nutty mouthfeel; while carefully partly-filling our pot stills enacts higher copper contact to bring forth fresh green apple flavours and spicy accents. It's matured in refill rejuvenated wine casks for 11 years.
It's bottled at 57.3% ABV.
Oban: 10YO – Coastal Orchard
"What if the smallest seed could give rise to a magnificent orchard? Imagine the humblest of seeds taking root deep within a coastal bay. A magnificent sea-sprayed orchard blooms, born of a tiny shell.
With every tide’s fall a harmonious burst of flora ripples with warm waves of nectar, bathing the coast in aromatic bounty".
Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries but its whiskies thrive with imposing character. This 10-year-old expression is matured in refill casks, before being selectively finished in newly charred American oak barrels, freshly seasoned with oloroso sherry, imparting baked apple notes and subtle wisps of sea salted vanilla.
Expect notes of charred oak, a bouquet of spiced nutmeg, sweet cinnamon and hints of clove.
Bottled at 58% ABV.
Roseisle: 12YO – Origami Kite II
"What if simplicity made for perfection, like the folds of a kite? A paper kite swirls in the Scottish sky. Simple and delicate, it rides the highland winds with wondrous endurance. Each lift is a testament to artisanship".
The second-ever expression of Roseisle boasts smoothly integrated aromas and soaring tastes that defy the complexity of its marriage of three spirit streams in distinctly different cask types. The malt master created a sublime single malt Scotch whisky building on last year's sensational debut. It's matured in first-fill bourbon and refill casks.
Expect notes of ripe fruit and white chocolate lie beneath the sweet vanilla aroma. Nuanced spice balances warm complexity, ending with a long, rich finish.
Bottled at 55.6% ABV.
Benrinnes: 21YO – Grand Crescendo
"What if we double the volume on fruity flavour? The orchestra takes centre stage for a sensory symphony. Thunderous flavour. Extravagant richness. Booming fruitiness, with the resounding bass line of double maturation".
The oldest expression from the 2024 Diageo Special Releases comes from the still underappreicated Benrinnes Distillery, which makes rich, waxy whisky. This 21-year-old expression was matured in refill casks for 15 years, followed by a 6-year second maturation in rejuvenated American and European oak wine casks, as well as rejuvenated casks with charred ends.
Expect a complex whisky that boasts a a fruity melody of over-ripe dark fruit, stewed pear, smashed fig and caramelised apple reverberates on the palate.
Bottled at 55.4% ABV.
