Diageo Unveils Rare Series
Diageo has unveiled the Rare Series, a new collection of Scotch Whiskies celebrating Scotland’s whisky heritage.
The first chapter of the series opens with five whiskies, notably a 55 Year Old from ghost distillery Glenury Royal, the oldest Single Malt ever released by Diageo, alongside releases from Blair Athol, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Talisker.
Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series
34-Year-Old | 50.8% ABV
Refill European Oak, finished in Pedro Ximenez-seasoned new American oak hogsheads
Global availability: 347 bottles
US allocation: 25 bottles
Price: $900
Tasting notes: This extraordinary Rare Series icon comes from a small batch, the first Blair Athol ever matured in ex-Sherry European oak casks and finished in Pedro Ximenez-seasoned new American oak hogsheads. Age and casks combine to reveal its deepest secrets. Mellow aromas of high-roast espresso coffee are backed by notes of dark chocolate and raisin, with a hint of hazelnut. A smoothly full-bodied texture introduces a robust, surprisingly sweet taste, showing admirable weight as it dries gently to a delicious spiciness. Gloriously long, the spicy finish leaves an aftertaste of dark chocolate. Savour every drop of this robust single malt.
Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series
42-Year-Old | 56.4% ABV
Refill American oak, married in European Oak puncheons
Global availability: 318 bottles
US allocation: 30 bottles
Price: $3,000
Tasting notes: This astonishing Rare Series icon is an impressive Caol Ila. Rich in texture and taste, it was matured in refill American oak hogsheads. The casks’ subsequent marriage in European oak puncheons has rounded the mouth-filling texture and robust taste. Mellow aromas create a lightly meaty and smoky impression, backed by traces of cream cheese and faintly cleansing notes, which evoke an old-fashioned dairy. The taste begins sweet and fruity, becoming saltier and lightly drying as its smoky-spicy power spreads across the palate. Gloriously sweet and smoky, the finish leaves the tongue tingling.
Clynelish 1983 Rare Series
42-Year-Old | 49.5% ABV
American oak hogsheads
Global availability: 160 bottles
US allocation: 16 bottles
Price: $4,000
Tasting notes: This extraordinary Rare Series icon comes from a small batch of American oak hogsheads, expertly matured to perfection. Having reached a great age, it remains deliciously rounded and full of life. The notably elegant aroma is led by bright, fragrant top notes scented with lavender and rose petal on a classic Clynelish candle wax base. A creamy-soft, waxy texture heralds a sophisticated taste that begins sweetly, with a flowery hint of clover, then dries lightly, with a dash of salt and crisp, mustard-cress-like spiciness. The long finish has a white pepper kick.
Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series
55-Year-Old | 62.4% ABV
American oak hogsheads, married in European Oak puncheons
Global availability: 232 bottles
US allocation: 21 bottles
Price: $6,350
Tasting notes: Few casks now remain from the long-lost distillery, Glenury Royal. This rich amber Rare Series icon comes from our last American oak hogsheads, married in European oak, and wears great age lightly. The reserved aroma takes time to offer dry, fruity notes of apple and pear backed by faint smokiness before a creamy-smooth texture leads into a lightly sweet taste, which sharpens to hint at gooseberry. Adding water brings out more sweetness and an attractive gingery spiciness. The lengthy finish is drying and spicy, while wisps of smoke linger in the delicious aftertaste.
Talisker 1992 Rare Series
33-Year-Old | 60.1% ABV
Refill American & European Oak, long finished in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads
Global availability: 331 bottles
US allocation: 30 bottles
Price: $1,300
Tasting notes: This extraordinary Rare Series icon originates from a small experimental batch of Talisker matured in refill casks and finished for over twenty years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads. The unusual, exceptionally long finish has imparted a profound richness. Mellow in feel, the aromas present maritime notes of sea salt and seaweed, followed by sweeter hints reminiscent of fruitcake. A rich, sweet, and oily smoothness on the palate enhances Talisker’s raw maritime strength, as saltiness, smoke, and pepper intermingle in a taste to treasure. The long finish is spicy, with a peppery kick.
To register interest in purchasing the Rare Series, reach out to a private seller at concierge@diageo.luxury or visit the Diageo Rare & Exceptional website.
Source: Diageo.