Diageo has officially announced its 2023 Diageo Special Release whisky bottlings! This is a long-running series started 20 years ago, and showcases high quality and rare limited edition expressions from Diageo’s Classic Malts distilleries. The average bottle tends to be cask strength and about 10 to 16 years of age, although recent years have seen a bottle or two venerable 20+ year old expressions.

Each year's Special Release sees about 6 to 8 expressions from Diageo's stable of distilleries.

After the series of fantasy-themed releases (2021, 2022), last year saw the theme of Spirited Xchange 2023 which celebrates Scotch along with cultures around the world; expressions with greater emphasis on quality cask finishings that honour various cultures. Last year's release was also the debut of the never-before-seen Roseisle Single Malt.

Spirited Xchange is returning for a second edition this year, said to "push the boundaries of flavour to offer an unparalleled journey of rarity, richness and imagination". The whiskies are crafted under the guidance of Diageo Master Blender Dr Stuart Morrison, and features eight single malt expressions. Fans of Diageo's Special Releases may also notice the guest appearance of Benrinnes which is not a regular feature in the Special Releases lineup. They are also bringing back a special edition unpeated Caol Ila which had disappeared in recent years. 

“Each year, our Special Releases collection showcases hand-selected, distillery-first expressions that push the boundaries of traditional whisky-making. This year's collection is a continuation of the Spirited Xchange that delves deeper into flavour exploration, experimenting with various cask combinations that challenge expectations.

This collection is about curiosity and what happens when you challenge yourself to think ‘what if’. This has led us to explore a variety of exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for The Singleton, to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavour to its unmistakably umami identity. We are excited for whisky lovers to experience it."

– Master Blender, Dr. Stuart Morrison

Each bottle features images captured by award-winning photographers such as Ben Thouard and Till Janz who aimed to express each whisky's unique character as compelling visual stories. 

Let's have a look at each bottle:

Mortlach ‘Midnight Dusk’ Finished in Ex-Italian Ramandolo White and Sangiovese Red Wine Casks, 57.5% ABV

"It drapes the palate with layers of umami and fruit. Its unusual flavour profile makes this an excellent option for the aperitivo moment." 

Recommended Retail Price: US$300

Talisker ‘Tidal Churn’ 8 Years Old, Finished in Stone-Spun and Lightly Re-Toasted Casks, 58.7% ABV 

"This expression channels the ocean's dynamic forces, utilising a stone-spun method. The process, inspired by the ocean's swirling churn, sees the powerful rotations of stone against wood, wearing away the char with stones and water. After the stone spinning, the casks are gently re-toasted, before finishing the whisky.

This method reveals new depths of flavour, unveiling a surprising duo of sweet flavours - pear and apple - beneath Talisker's signature maritime smoke."

Recommended Retail Price: US$105

The Singleton ‘Autumn Walk’ Glen Ord 14 Years Old, First-Fill ex-Bourbon Casks, Finished in Pyrenean and Spanish Oak Cask Ends, 54.7% ABV 

"Brings together a combination of casks - ex-bourbon, rejuvenated ex-wine, and refill casks. It is then finished with European Oak and unique Pyrenean Oak cask-ends. The result is a complex and flavourful malt, offering sweet, spicy, and slightly dry notes evocative of an autumnal stroll in the Pyrenees."

Recommended Retail Price: US$155

Lagavulin ‘Fireside Tales’ 12 Years Old, First-fill ex-Bourbon and Refill Casks, 57.4% ABV

"Matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks, reveals unexpected depths of sweetness and an enchanting finish. This whisky unfolds a tale of smoke tenderly tamed into a whisper, dressed in notes of toffee and vanilla, with a sprinkling of spice."

Recommended Retail Price: US$180 

Benrinnes ‘Grand Crescendo’ 21 Years Old, Double Matured, American Oak and European Oak Wine Casks, 55.4% ABV

"The oldest expression in the collection. This 21 Year Old distinguished liquid emerges from a symphony of maturations - American Oak wine casks, European Oak casks, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends." 

Recommended Retail Price: US$480

Roseisle ‘Origami Kite 2’, 12 Years Old, First-fill ex-Bourbon and Refill Casks, 55.6% ABV

"This is the second ever expression from the Roseisle distillery, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks. Its smooth, creamy texture carries the craftsmanship and spirit of Roseisle into new dimensions of taste."

Recommended Retail Price: US$150

Caol Ila ‘Ambrosial Feast’, 11 Years Old, Unusually Unpeated, Short Fermentations and Cloudy Worts, 57.3% ABV  

"An unusually unpeated expression that intertwines creamy, nutty nuances with a burst of green apple. Matured in refill and rejuvenated ex-wine casks specifically chosen to enhance the distillate's inherent fruity qualities, this whisky reveals the lighter, smoother side of Caol Ila."

Recommended Retail Price: US$110

Oban ‘Coastal Orchard’ 10 Years Old, Finished in Charred American Oak, Seasoned with Oloroso Sherry, 58.0% ABV

"This vibrant expression is finished in new fresh charred American Oak barrels that have been freshly seasoned with Oloroso sherry and harmoniously blended with refill casks, creating a liquid landscape where coastal air meets the richness of orchard fruits."

Recommended Retail Price: US$120

The 2024 Special Releases collection will be available in limited quantities from malts.com. 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team