Since 2001, autumn has been a time for the Diageo Particular Releases—the annual unveiling of the corporate’s limited-edition assortment of cask power whiskies showcasing rarity and revolutionary cask finishes. This yr’s version, which hits the cabinets on October 1, is known as Elusive Expressions. It gives eight bottles in all, once more chosen by grasp blender Craig Wilson. The whiskies embody a 26 yr previous single grain whisky, six single malt whiskies aged as much as 16 years previous, and a non-age assertion Mortlach, the eighth bottling, which is not going to be out there within the U.S.
Diageo is constant its current development of providing far decrease aged whiskies from operational distilleries within the Particular Releases, concentrating on uncommon and distinctive expressions of distillery character. Consequently, costs are decrease than ever at $1,210 for the 7-bottle assortment. That’s a 65% discount in comparison with final yr’s 8-bottle set, making the 2022 Particular Releases the least costly for the reason that early years.
Collectors who as soon as snapped up the collection’ closed distillery bottlings and ultra-aged expressions once more may not really feel this yr’s launch gives the gems of earlier years. Diageo clearly is trying to appeal to a brand new viewers for the Particular Releases, particularly drinkers who’ve solely lately found scotch. There’s a brand new devoted digital area to discover, with a QR code linking to animated storytelling of unbelievable legends and legendary beasts, vividly illustrated in electrifying neon colours by Ken Taylor and Kevin Tong, all geared toward connecting with millennial and authorized consuming age Gen Z audiences delving into the world of tremendous whisky. The code additionally reveals the complete cocktail recipes for every bottling, such because the Lagavulin 12 yr old-based Flame of the Phoenix (Measure 25ml Lagavulin 12 yr previous and 50ml chilly Lapsang Souchong tea right into a highball glass, add 100ml ginger ale, prime with ice, stir and garnish with pineapple leaf and lime wedge).
Discover the complete particulars beneath, together with the cask sorts and all the brand new cocktail strategies. Search for rankings and tasting notes in our Winter challenge Shopping for Information.
The 2022 Diageo Particular Releases Revealed
Cameronbridge 26 yr previous
Fashion: Single grain
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.2%
Value: $320
Cask kind: Refill American oak
Cocktail: Golden Triumph
Cardhu 16 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Speyside)
ABV: 58%
Value: $180
Cask kind: Refill and re-charred American Oak and Jamaican pot nonetheless rum seasoned
Cocktail: Black Rock Paradise
Clynelish 12 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Highland)
ABV: 58.5%
Value: $200
Cask kind: Refill American oak and Pedro Ximénez and oloroso seasoned
Cocktail: The Golden Eyed Guardian
Lagavulin 12 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Islay)
ABV: 57.3%
Value: $150
Cask kind: Refilled closely peated American oak and virgin oak
Cocktail: Flame of the Phoenix
Oban 10 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Highland)
ABV: 57.1%
Value: $110
Cask kind: Refill and new American oak and amontillado seasoned
Cocktail: Celestial Blaze
The Singleton of Glen Ord 15 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Speyside)
ABV: 54.2%
Value: $130
Cask kind: Refill American and European oak and wine seasoned
Cocktail: The Enchantress
Talisker 11 yr previous
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Islands)
ABV: 55.1%
Value: $120
Cask kind: First-fill and refill bourbon and wine seasoned
Cocktail: Creature of the Depths
Mortlach
Fashion: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Speyside)
ABV: 57.8%
Value: £250 (Not out there within the U.S.)
Cask kind: Refill American oak, virgin tawny port, and crimson muscat seasoned
Cocktail: Lure of the Blood Purple Moon