Rare whiskies from Diageo.
Diageo’s prolific collection of single
malt Scotch whiskies, the Classic Malts
Selection, is augmented every year by
the issue of a small portfolio of
limited edition single malts, under the
heading of Special Releases.
The series has always aimed to intrigue,
delight and sometimes surprise whisky
connoisseurs and collectors, by
presenting unusual, rare, collectable -
but always deeply enjoyable -
expressions of single malt whisky, all
from original distillery stocks.
The details for 2011 have now been
announced. There are eight Special
Releases this year; five are from closed
distilleries; and the whole production
is less than 60,000 bottles.
Some are affordable,
others enjoy a rarity that imposes
frankly aspirational prices. Many enjoy
striking, specially designed packaging
that enhances the pleasure of ownership
and sharing.
Familiar distilleries are often present,
but in unusual expression or ages. Other
bottles are drawn from the precious and
dwindling stocks of distilleries that
ceased production last century. Most are
bottled at natural cask strength and all
without chill filtration. There are
eight Special Releases this year; five
are from closed distilleries; and the
whole production is less than 60,000
bottles.
As Diageo’s Nick Morgan explains:
 "We set out to include one or two really
unexpected bottlings in the 2011 Special
Releases collection. Very few whisky
connoisseurs - possible none at all -
will ever have encountered anything like
the 20 year old glorious Port Dundas
single grain whisky that we are offering
this year, and since the distillery
closed two years ago, it’ll be a rare
experience for those who who get to try
it now.
"By contrast, the 25 year old Knockando
from first-fill ex-sherry casks might
astonish those who thought they know
this malt: this bottling is rich,
deep-flavoured and very complex. The
Glenury Royal at 40 years old is a very
venerable (and inevitably expensive)
bottling, an old-style after-dinner
experience; but it shows no fatigue and
is packed with flavour. Lovers of the
Lowland style will be charmed by the
Rosebank 21 year old."
Older & Rarer
As in previous years, Brora and Port
Ellen will be a focus for committed
devotees of these irreplaceable single
malts.
The Brora 32 year old is in a limited
edition of only 1,404 bottles: compare
the first release in this series, in
2002, which ran to 3,000 bottles.
The Port Ellen, also at 32 years old,
comes in an edition of 2,988 bottles
(compared with 12,000 bottles in 2002!).
Rarer and older as the years go by, both
are priced at £300 (UK RRSP).
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