There are a few big days every year for whisky fans, and one of them for me is always the announcement of Diageo’s Special Releases for the year. The yearly collection spans Diageo’s portfolio of single malts and typically offers some pretty great expressions
Today’s the day for this year’s collection. “Elusive Expressions” includes seven rare whiskies hand selected by Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson.
“Today we reveal and introduce Elusive Expressions, a boundary-pushing collection with flavors and finishes that truly redefine what cask-strength whiskies can be,” said Master Blender, Dr. Craig Wilson. “From abundantly rich, to strikingly rare flavors, each one is vividly bought to life with new energy. Featuring some of our oldest whisky dynasties, we’ve embraced the flavor contrasts that exist within the collection, to create an unexpected whisky experience.”
Beyond whisky, Diageo is also releasing a cocktail book along with the collection. Done by illustrator Ken Taylor, along with digital visualization artist Kevin Tong, the book is done in a graphic-novel style, reframing cocktail making through characters and their journeys.
Each cocktail in the book is created by a Diageo brand ambassador and the book explores the legends behind The Singleton, Lagavulin and Talisker, showcasing an unexplored world of rare flavor and the unique nature of each liquid.
There’s a pretty cool immersive experience available online where you can explore the story behind each bottle and check out some of those recipies (Pro Tip: The experience is a lot better if you load it up on your phone).
But what about the whisky?
This years collection includes an unusual gem from Cynelish, as well as an 11-year-old Talisker, and a sweet expression of The Singleton of Glen Ord which is double matured in wine-seasoned casks.
Here’s the full rundown:
Talisker 11
Talisker 11 Year Old
ABV: 55.1%
Region: Island/ Isle of Skye Cask: American oak ex-bourbon first fill, refill and wine-seasoned casks
SRP: $119.99 (750mL)
Lagavulin 12
Lagavulin 12 Year Old
ABV: 57.3%
Region: Islay Cask: Heavily peated American oak refilled and virgin oak casks
SRP: $149.99 (750mL)
Singleton 15
The Singleton 15 Year Old
ABV: 54.2%
Region: Highland Cask: Refill American & European oak and wine-seasoned casks
SRP: $129.99 (750mL)
Cardhu 16
Cardhu 16 Year Old
ABV: 58%
Region: Speyside Casks: Refill and re-charred American Oak, Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks
SRP: $179.99 (750mL)
Oban 10
Oban 10 Year Old
ABV: 57.1%
Region: Coastal Highland Cask: Refill and new American oak and amontillado-seasoned casks
SRP: $109.99 (750mL)
Cameron Bridge 26
Cameronbridge 26 Year Old
ABV: 56.2%
Region: Lowland Cask: Refill American oak casks
SRP: $319.99 (750mL)
Clynelish
Clynelish 12 Year Old
ABV: 58.5%
Region: Highland Cask: Refill American oak and PX/Oloroso seasoned casks
SRP: $199.99 (750mL)
All seven bottles will be available in limited quantities starting on October 1 in the Us, Europe, Canada, and Australia. They will also be available in selected markets in Asia via airport duty free.