Whisky Focus - Distell Unveil Limited Release Malt Collection 2019

Distell, owner of Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory (Ledaig) distilleries has unveiled its third batch of annual releases and this year the line up features two unique expressions from Bunnahabhain, three from Deanston and three from their Tobermory distillery (one Tobermory and two Ledaig expressions).

Seven of the eight whiskies in this years limited release Malt Collection have under went a cask finish, the exception being the Bunnahabhain 2008 which has matured full term in Manzanilla sherry casks, all eight bottlings have been bottled at cask strength, non chill-filtered and naturally coloured and as usual they all offer whisky enthusiasts something off the normal beaten track of the core range of whiskies available from Distell's three Scotch malt whisky distilleries.

The eight Distell Malt Collection 2020 Limited Releases are:

• Bunnahabhain 2008 11 Year Old Manzanilla Matured, 52.3% ABV
  9240 bottles available, RRP £120
   
• Bunnahabhain Moine 1997 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Cask Finish, 50% ABV
  1661 bottles available, RRP £350
   
• Deanston 2002 17 Year Old Organic Pedro Ximenez Cask Finish, 49.3% ABV
  3102 bottles available, RRP £140
   
• Deanston 1991 28 Year Old Muscat Cask Finish, 45% ABV
  1402 bottles available, RRP £260
   
• Deanston 2002 17 Year Old Pinot Noir Cask Finish, 50% ABV
  5604 bottles available, RRP £110
   
• Tobermory 2007 12 Year Old Port Pipe Finish, 58.6% ABV
  3101 bottles available, RRP £100
   
• Ledaig 1998 21 Year Old Marsala Cask Finish, 55.8% ABV
  1126 bottles available, RRP £200
   
• Ledaig 2007 12 Year Old Pedro Xeminez Cask Finish, 55.5% ABV
  1345 bottles available, RRP £100

I haven't yet had the chance to try this years releases but if the previous years Malt Collection releases are anything to go by I expect there will be at least a few outstanding drams amongst them.

In what I think is a great move by Distell, this year mini sample kits will be available for whisky-lovers who want to try more than one of the new expressions – and a global online tasting event will be taking place later this year so that they can be sampled alongside the distillery team, I currently don't have the price on the sample tasting kits or have a date when they will be available but when I hear I will be sure to let you know.

The distilleries will be debuting an online tasting of a selection of limited editions exclusively with TopWhiskies on Instagram in the autumn, with a unique IGTV tasting experience with Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, Distillery Manager Andrew Brown and Visitor Centre Manager Dr Billy Sinclair. These limited-edition bottlings will be available for purchase worldwide."

Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender at Distell, said: "Our annual collection of limited-editions always bring the distillery team's talent and craft to the forefront, with unique takes on our beloved core classics. And this year’ expressions are truly special.

"Having been slumbering away in their casks at our distilleries around Scotland, these stunning malts are finally ready for our loyal fans to experience them. With a combined age of nearly 150 years across the eight expressions, we’ve been waiting a very long time to hear what you think."

When the Distell Malt Collection 2020 becomes available you will find it in specialist whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops
  

Whisky Focus