Diageo Luxury Group has unveiled the Rare Series, a new collection of vintage Scotch whiskies that are intended to celebrate Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.

The debut release features five whiskies from iconic locations, headlined by the oldest single malt in Diageo's history: a 55 Year Old expression from the ghost distillery Glenury Royal. The bottling is joined by 80's and 90's expressions from Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol.

Crafted by original distillers and their successors, each whisky is said to present a precise expression of its distillery’s singular character and distinctive qualities, and is selectively drawn from Diageo's own stock of more than 10 million casks and over 30 distilleries.

The new Diageo Rare Series includes:

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series (55 Year Old, 62.4% ABV, 232 Bottles): From the ghost distillery, this 55 years old expression was matured in American oak hogsheads and married in European oak puncheons.

Talisker 1992 Rare Series (33 Year Old, 60.1% ABV, 331 Bottles): Defined by what the distillery promises to be an exceptionally long finish, with this 33 year old is the only expression drawn from an experimental batch, finished for over 20 years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads.

Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series (42 Year Old, 56.4% ABV, 318 Bottles): The oldest expression the Caol Ila the distillery has ever released at 42 years old, this expression was matured in American oak casks and married in European oak puncheons. It is said to deliver a rounded, powerful yet lyrical flavour that balances intensity with elegance.

Clynelish 1983 Rare Series (42 Year Old, 49.5% ABV, 160 Bottles): A small batch, this 42 year old was matured in American oak hogsheads, showcasing the Highland distillery’s elegance and signature waxy character with fragrant top notes of lavender and rose.

Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series (34 Year Old, 50.8% ABV, 347 Bottles): A 34 year old whisky of robust depth and richness, it is the first of its kind to be matured in ex-Sherry European oak casks and finished in sweet Pedro Ximenez–seasoned new American oak hogsheads.

Future installments of the Rare Series are on the table, with Private Clients stated to be offered exclusive first access.

The Rare Series will be available exclusively via global registration from Thursday 30th April with Diageo’s Private Client teams.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team