Diageo’s Particular Releases — its most prized Scotch whiskies in restricted run codecs — are right here for 2022. And when you can attempt to ignore the insane messaging — with taglines like “the enchantress of the ruby solstice” — and the out-there bottle paintings, you definitely can’t ignore what’s in these bottles — all hitting the cabinets at cask energy. Able to dive in to a different spherical with these rarities? Right here we go.
(Word: The costliest of the releases this yr? $360… a far cry from the parade of four-figure bottlings we’ve seen up to now.)
Lagavulin 12 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – If there’s one factor you’ll be able to depend on, it’s one other yr with cask energy Lagavulin 12, this one matured in bourbon and virgin oak casks. Although claims of being drawn from its “smokiest reserves” are made, that is truly a reasonably supple, balanced expression of Lagavulin. Peat and iodine paved the way on nostril and palate to light-handed fruit — pear, spiced apple, and, ultimately, Earl Gray tea. Water is transformative right here, letting the salt and fruity sweetness meld extra clearly, and well-tempering the bonfire smoke and medicinal notes on the end. 114.6 proof. B+ / $150 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Talisker 11 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – A reasonably customary expression of Talisker, with 11 years in first-fill bourbon barrels. Boldly salty and reasonably smoky on the nostril, this ashy dram has loads of Talisker hallmarks, together with a kipper and iodine punch that turns into moderately pungent with time in glass. Sea spray and a squeeze of lemon are immersive on the palate, giving issues a gritty, rustic texture. It’s very a lot a traditional Talisker building by way of and thru, simply at a a lot greater abv, which doesn’t do all that a lot to vary the sport. Water solely muddies the story. For Talisker purists solely. 110.2 proof. B- / $145 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Clynelish 12 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – Completed in a oloroso and PX casks, this launch from the distant Highlands distillery kicks off with large spice, pepper, and sherry notes, adopted up with hazelnut and, curiously, some anise seen. A moderately inexperienced, burly spirit, the palate has heaps occurring — citrus, pungent char, pepper, and an almond word all of sudden. All of it comes throughout as moderately scattered, however water is useful at taming the beast, at the least a bit, coaxing out a milder citrus character and a few blossom notes. The florals get barely soapy on the end, but it surely’s by no means off-putting. All advised, it’s high-quality, however higher and extra fascinating expressions are available on this assortment. 117 proof. B / $235 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
The Singleton of Glen Ord 15 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – Eight of the 15 years of this whisky’s growing old are spent in pink wine casks, giving it a distinctly distinctive disposition. Savory up entrance, the nostril is dense and nutty and calmly peppery because it haltingly offers approach to these inevitable, tannic pink wine notes, thick with each oak and grape skins. It’s equally intense on the palate, showcasing light notes of roast beef earlier than transferring right into a slick spice invoice, cloves and nutmeg informing a lush, brown buttery character. Warming and calmly peppery on the end, however oh so tantalizing from begin to end. By no means seen a Glen Ord like this, that’s for certain. 108.4 proof. A / $155 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Cardhu 16 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – Completed in a Jamaican rum cask, which appears to be a primary for a comparatively sleepy distillery like Cardhu. The anticipated bump of sweetness is welcome right here, offering a nostril of toffee and banana, virtually tiki-like at instances, balanced with some earthiness, then notes of mandarin orange. It’s decidedly extra complicated on the nostril than the standard Cardhu expression, and the palate is equally enjoyable, showcasing wealthy fruit notes — each citrus and apple — some bitter orange peel (virtually sherry-like), and one thing of a hogo character because it builds within the glass. Cardhu tends to be aggressive, and this whisky isn’t any exception, although the rum meets it head-on and engages with it, making a surprisingly elevated, differentiated expertise with notes of baking spice, well-toasted oak, and flambeed banana late within the recreation. Robust and biting but gloriously immersive on the end, I hold considering that is one thing I ought to float in a Zombie, had been it not such a rarity. 116 proof. A- / $290 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Oban 10 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – Matured in refill and new American oak, then completed in sherry (presumably oloroso) and Amontillado seasoned casks. Pleasant notes of citrus kick off the nostril in a approach that feels distinctly un-Obanlike however which is nonetheless partaking by way of and thru, although parts of sesame and that traditional Oban word of sea spray and coal mud provide a well-known shoulder to lean on. On the palate, the system is reversed. Malt and a delicate smokiness paved the way to notes of spiced apple, sharper pink fruits, and ultimately some sea spray salting up the end and evoking a beachfront campfire off within the distance. It’s simple however laser-focused on its most adorable parts — and it’s a type of whiskies the place a 50ml pattern simply doesn’t do it justice. 114.2 proof. A / $145 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Cameron Bridge 26 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022 – This single grain comes from the most important grain distillery in Europe, and arguably the oldest. There aren’t any huge mysteries right here, kicking off with that traditional honey-sweet nostril that evokes lemon peel, overripe fruit, and a wholesome pinch of chimney soot. I’ve by no means been an enormous single grain fan, and this launch comes throughout as very acquainted — seeming far younger than its quarter-century of age would counsel. Greater than somewhat gummy on the palate, with plenty of ultra-sweet fruit, marshmallow creme, and toasted grains in a swizzle. Unusually scorching on the end, with one thing of a burnt word to it. Aka Cameronbridge. 112.4 proof. B / $360 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Cameron Bridge 26 Years Outdated Restricted Version 2022
$360
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