Diageo has announced this year’s line-up for their annual Special Releases. These releases are all bottled at cask strength but are not single cask. As usual, the release will be available later this fall. The press release states that this year’s Special Release will consist of 10 bottlings, but only 9 of them has been revealed so far.
What stands out this in this year’s release are two Caol Ilas, but maybe more surprising no Port Ellen or Brora!
Donald Colville, Diageo?s Global Malts Ambassador, said: ?The Special Releases launch is a highlight in our whisky calendar year. It?s a collection that allows both knowledgeable whisky fans and those new to Scotch to hunt out truly unique limited editions. The range delivers memorable taste experiences unlike any other and the exceptional variety and quality of whiskies in this year?s collection will not disappoint.?.
On a more personal note, I am truly looking forward to the Talisker!
DIAGEO SPECIAL RELEASES 2018 (by region)
HIGHLANDS
Oban
Age: 21 year old
Cask type: Refill European Oak Butts
ABV: 57.9%
No of bottles : Limited quantities worldwide
The Singleton of Glen Ord
Age: 14 year old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads and Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts followed by a unique maturation and marrying process
ABV: 57.6%
No of bottles: Limited quantities worldwide
ISLAND
Talisker
Age: 8 year old
Cask type: First fill Ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogsheads
ABV: 59.4%
No of bottles: Limited quantities worldwide
ISLAY
Caol Ila (unpeated)
Age: 15 year old
Cask type: Refill & Rejuvenated American Oak Hogsheads and Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts
ABV: 59.1%
No of bottles: Limited quantities worldwide
Caol Ila
Age: 35 year old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill European Oak Butts
ABV: 58.1%
No of bottles: 3276
Lagavulin
Age: 12 year old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
ABV: 57.8%
No of bottles: Limited quantities worldwide
LOWLANDS
Carsebridge
Age: 48 year old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
ABV: 43.2%
No of bottles: 1000
SPEYSIDE
Inchgower
Age: 27 years old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
ABV: 55.3%
No of bottles: 8544
Pittyvaich
Age: 28 year old
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
ABV: 52.1%
No of bottles: 4680