Diageo’s six Distillers Version single malt Scotch whiskies are again. We final reviewed this yearly launched assortment in 2021, and in the event you’re experiencing deja vu, don’t be alarmed. These whiskies don’t change yearly save for the time of manufacturing: The ages and bottling proofs don’t change, and the usage of particular ending casks is similar annually.
It’s the finishes that give these whiskies their uniqueness, every whisky spending as much as half a yr in wine-seasoned American oak barrels. What precisely is a wine-seasoned American oak barrel? I missed this nuance in prior years however lastly caught on this yr that the ending barrels are usually not normal, used wine barrels, however quite one thing totally totally different. Right here’s the inside track from Diageo straight, explaining how they work:
Every distiller and their crew assemble bespoke casks from re-charred American oak casks and particular, charred cask-ends of name new American oak. The casks are then crammed with hand-selected fortified wine from Spain or Portugal and aged for one month to develop their exceptionally uncommon taste. The casks are then refilled with mature single malt Scotch whisky originating from a single yr to keep up the utmost consistency. Lastly, the casks are then rested for as much as six months all whereas being diligently assessed till the specified taste profile is attained.
So there you go. Additionally, you will word that the 20232 releases mark the elimination of distillation yr on the bottle. Distillers Version whiskies used to hold a classic date, indicating all of the whisky inside was produced in a single season. No extra, as distillation years at the moment are gone. Diageo explains:
The explanation behind the elimination of distillation yr is that the method of cask choice, second maturation, distinctive cask end and consistency of high quality underpin the success of the gathering. Eradicating the distillation, bottling yr and batch numbers permits for give attention to the true advantages. There was no change to the liquid, and the standard craftsmanship, status amongst audiences and liquid credentials from the previous few many years proceed to talk for itself.
I’m additionally happy to notice that costs for these whiskies are defying the market and have principally come down a bit over the past 2 years. Right here’s hoping that’s a development that catches on elsewhere within the trade.
Oban Distillers Version 2023 – Oban 14 years outdated, completed in Montilla fino sherry-seasoned American oak barrels. I all the time take pleasure in Oban and the Distillers Version often gives a playful spin on the method, including a brilliant degree of fruit to the nostril alongside a whiff of smoke. Right here, the Fino clearly impacts the whisky with appreciable energy, perhaps an excessive amount of, including much more saltiness to an already saline-driven whisky, plus a grassy high quality. Quickly there’s a nod to underripe fruit that culminates in an earthy, hemp-driven high quality. A little bit gritty on the end, this feels much less totally baked than earlier Distillers Version releases, lacking out on a some balancing sweetness to mood the extra savory, rougher qualities of the whisky. 86 proof. B / $95
Talisker Distillers Version 2023 – Talisker 10 years outdated, completed in Amoroso sherry-seasoned American oak casks; Amoroso is a uncommon kind of sherry that’s made by mixing oloroso with some Pedro Ximenez. There’s significantly extra peat affect than you get from normal Talisker right here, a remark I’ve made up to now relating to Distillers Version. Salty and coastal, there’s a sure earthiness right here that borders on muddy, although someway this doesn’t come throughout as offensive. Slightly, it’s soothing and immersive, providing a dreamy high quality that’s distinctly seaside — but wanting Islay. The sherry affect is tempered on this 2023 expression, although a bit winey PX exhibits itself on the end, rising extra insistent over time. All instructed: Sultry, woodsy, and extra understated than anticipated. You need to enable it to develop on you, and it does. 91.6 proof. A- / $85
Lagavulin Distillers Version 2023 – Lagavulin 16 that’s completed in Pedro Ximenez-seasoned American oak casks. In contrast to the Talisker, the sherry affect is rapid and intense in opposition to Lagavulin’s expressive Islay spine. Sharp with notes of mint and peat on the nostril, a distinctly oxidized wine character provides an sudden component — although for this launch the sherry affect is dialed again sufficient to permit the Islay core to shine by. A lot the identical on the palate: Ashy, calmly medicinal peat components dominate, giving the whisky a brooding, barely funky sensibility. The PX components fade into the background because the whisky will get some air, although a lightweight contact of raisin on the end gives a mildly pushy sweetness that’s finally countered by a ultimate reprise of grassy, chewy seaweed. Lagavulin followers ought to benefit from the change of tempo. 86 proof. B+ / $125
Cragganmore Distillers Version 2023 – Cragganmore 12 completed in Port-seasoned American oak casks. This can be a common energy hitter and once more with 2023 it knocks a simple house run. Vibrant hints of lemon and spice inform a nostril wealthy with nougat, sesame, and toasty cereal notes. Very gentle however enveloping, it’s a tantalizing entrée to the lip-smacking palate, which balances the entire above with aplomb. The Port affect is dialed effectively again right here, letting the recent malt do many of the heavy lifting alongside a twist of orange peel, a bit pepper, and a mixture of baking and savory spices. Vanilla lingers on the soothing, rounded end. It’s solely 80 proof, so it could come throughout as demure compared to a few of the heavier hitters right here and elsewhere, however that helps to make it a extra dashing aperitif. Consider it as a whiskey highball, sans the soda. 80 proof. A / $85
Dalwhinnie Distillers Version 2023 – 15 yr outdated Dalwhinnie, with an oloroso sherry-seasoned American oak cask end. Sherry and Speyside Scotch are pure bedfellows, and this mix comes throughout as an iconic instance of how the pair can work effectively collectively. There’s brilliant citrus and a contact of oily leather-based on the nostril, with a barely brooding undercurrent, that includes well-roasted grains and a few turned earth. The palate brightens up instantly, with a pointy assault of citrus peel, adopted by soothing caramel, then an earthy, hemp rope high quality to provide the end some gritty punch. It might be the least unique development on this assortment, but it surely’s laborious to not love. 86 proof. A- / $90
Glenkinchie Distillers Version 2023 – Lowlands Glenkinchie 12 with an amontillado sherry-seasoned American oak cask end. Surprisingly easygoing on the nostril, with a contact of duskiness pushed in equal elements by the Lowlands fashion and the usage of amontillado sherry. Earthy and a bit ashy because it develops, the sherry notes construct stronger with time in glass. The palate sees the identical, a nutty, sherry-driven expertise with a brooding sensibility you don’t get out of neighboring Speyside, ending with a little bit of coconut husk, honey-driven sweetness, and a drying, oxidized word. Much less enchanting than I recall from the 2021 launch, however an fascinating examine into the distinctive affect of amontillado. 86 proof. B / $85
Oban Distillers Version 2023
$95
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