Main Scotch whisky maker Diageo has unveiled the eight expressions that make up this yr’s Particular Releases. This can be a sought-after annual assortment of cask-strength malt and grain whiskies.
The vary, chosen by grasp blender Dr Craig Wilson, consists of well-known names akin to Lagavulin and Talisker, fellow single malts Clynelish, Cardhu, Oban, Mortlach and The Singleton of Glen Ord. There’s additionally a uncommon single grain launch from the Cameronbridge distillery.
Dr Wilson selected the whiskies from Diageo’s 30-plus distilleries, and a list of greater than 10 million maturing casks of whisky.
He described the gathering as ‘boundary-pushing’. It options whiskies which have undergone prolonged secondary maturation durations and finishes in cask varieties together with tawny Port, crimson Muscat and Jamaican pot nonetheless rum.
The 2022 line-up highlights the current evolution of the Particular Releases sequence. As soon as marked by the presence of older whiskies from closed distilleries akin to Port Ellen and Brora, the vary is now extra targeted on youthful expressions and (comparatively) decrease costs.
Amongst this yr’s whiskies, six have been aged for between 10 and 16 years, the exceptions being Mortlach (which has no age assertion) and Cameronbridge, a 26-year-old single grain whisky.
Cameronbridge can also be the most costly of this yr’s releases at £275 for a 70cl bottle. The others are all priced at between £105 and £175, apart from Mortlach at £250.
Subtitled as ‘Elusive Expressions’, the whiskies have back-stories revolving round legendary beasts and tales. These embody ‘The Flames of the Phoenix’ (Lagavulin) and ‘The Lure of the Blood Moon’ (Mortlach).
Labels characteristic the paintings of illustrators Ken Taylor and Kevin Tong. A brand new Elusive Expressions Cocktails and Serves guide – in graphic novel fashion – consists of recipes to strive at residence.
This yr’s Particular Releases additionally characteristic an immersive digital expertise, activated through QR code, enabling purchasers to work together with the gathering and their back-stories.
Restricted portions of Diageo’s 2022 Particular Releases assortment can be found now from specialist whisky retailers and at malts.com.
Diageo Particular Releases 2022: tasting notes
Cameronbridge 26 12 months Previous
Classical ex-Bourbon grain character – buttery popcorn, honeyed cereal, wooden shavings – alongside a zesty, Cointreau-like notice that darkens with time into black banana. Silky and vibrant. Alcohol 56.2%
Cardhu 16 12 months Previous
Initially shy on the nostril, with notes of brioche and lemon drizzle cake, however the palate is much bolder due to time in Jamaican rum casks: raspberries dipped in chocolate, damson and roasted pineapple. Alc 58%
Clynelish 12 12 months Previous
Famously waxy Clynelish exhibits its darker aspect after a end in PX/oloroso sherry casks. Black tea on the nostril, dried apricot on the palate and, with water, evenly spicy with a powerful thread of liquorice. Alc 58.5%
Lagavulin 12 12 months Previous
Billed as even smokier than regular due to the usage of ‘closely peated’ American and virgin oak, however simply traditional Laga: enveloping clouds of maritime smoke, camphor and tar, undercut by mild citrus. Alc 57.3%
Mortlach
The ripest and richest on this yr’s line-up, this efficiently matches Mortlach’s feral nature to an unique cask combine (tawny Port, crimson Muscat, virgin oak). Velvet-smooth with juicy black fruit, liquorice and ginger. Alc 57.8%
Oban 10 12 months Previous
Autumnal and ethereal, an understated Oban with a lot of inexperienced apple, hedgerow florals and sea salt. A end in amontillado casks brings just a little richness and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Alc 57.1%
The Singleton of Glen Ord 15 12 months Previous
Eight years in wine casks creates a beguiling crimson fruit character – raspberry, crimson cherry – alongside darker dried fruit and fig. Prickles of acidity raise the palate and thrust back blowsiness. Alc 54.2%
Talisker 11 12 months Previous
Unmistakably Talisker, from the nostril of smoke and black pepper to the end of coal tar and chilli. Creamy, poised between salty and candy, and one of the crucial profitable of this yr’s line-up. Alc 55.1%
