Whisky Focus - The Game Of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection

Following on from The Game of Thrones White Walker by Johnnie Walker which was launched as part of a partnership with HBO and Diageo back in October last year they have now launched The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection as a toast to the final season of the critically-acclaimed TV series, a collection of eight single malt Scotch whiskies, each of which have been paired with one of the iconic Houses of Westeros and the Night’s Watch giving Game of Thrones and whisky fans a taste of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond.

The eight whiskies in The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection are:

• Game of Thrones House Targaryen Cardhu Gold Reserve
  Fueled by the same fiery spirit of the fierce female leadership of Daenerys Targaryen. Baked apple with baking spices open on the first nosing than transforms on the palate into a rich caramel character with hints of clove, red apple and a gentle nuttiness.
  
  Bottled at 40% ABV, RRP £48
   
• Game of Thrones House Tyrell Clynelish Reserve
  House Tyrell of Highgarden rules over the Reach, the lush and fertile region of Westeros. Like the Reach, Clynelish is positioned among green pastures and rolling hills, with scenic views of the North Sea. Bursting with fresh tropical fruits like papaya and mango that subsides into a creamy vanilla character. The finish is slightly maritime in quality with a delicate floral note.
  
  Bottled at 51.2% ABV, RRP £48
   
• Game of Thrones House Baratheon Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old
  Similar to Robert Baratheon ruling the Seven Kingdoms upon the Iron Throne, Royal Lochnagar was deemed a whisky worthy of a royal family as it was granted a Royal Warrant after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the distillery in 1848. Light notes of oak and sweet liquorice that develops into a rich, creamy vanilla coffee and finishes with a mild nutmeg custard note.
  
  Bottled at 40% ABV, RRP £38
   
• Game of Thrones House Tully Singleton of Glendullan Select
  The power of water flows through both House Tully and The Singleton Glendullan Select as it is made on the banks of the River Fiddich in the wooded hills of Dufftown. Orange and clove open on the nose but on the palate there’s red berry compote and vanilla cheesecake with a pronounced cereal spice finish.
  
  Bottled at 40% ABV, RRP £38
   
• Game of Thrones House Greyjoy Talisker Select Reserve
  House Greyjoy rules the Iron Islands and worships the Drowned God. Talisker was a natural pair for House Greyjoy as this single malt is distilled on the shores of the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote and rugged areas of Scotland. Dry Sichuan peppery smoke and dark chocolate on the nose. On the palate the salted caramel with chili flakes explode into a smoky fruit cake of spice and the finish is long and complex with a lasting character of leather.
  
  Bottled at 45.8% ABV, RRP £48
   
• Game of Thrones House Lannister Lagavulin 9 Year Old
  Lagavulin is one of the most legendary single malt brands and has been crafted on the shores of Islay for more than 200 years – mirroring the meticulous calculation and tenacity employed by the Lannisters in their rise to conquer the Iron Throne. Characteristic Lagavulin sweet smoke explodes on the nose with a little more brine than the other expressions. The palate opens with smoked caramelized banana and heavy vanilla and burnt marshmallow which subside into a light dry, slightly salted caramel.
  
  Bottled at 46% ABV, RRP £65
   
• Game of Thrones House Stark Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost
  House Stark’s resiliency, strength and ability to thrive under the most intense situations are greatly shaped by Winterfell’s frigid temperatures. Dalwhinnie, known for being the highest distillery in all of Scotland is cold and remote much like The North where House Stark calls home, making the two an iconic pairing. Honey and fresh fig develop on the palate followed by a delicious maltiness and rich fruit cake.
  
  Bottled at 43% ABV, RRP £48
   
• Game of Thrones The Night’s Watch Oban Bay Reserve
  The Oban distillery sits beneath the steep cliff that overlooks the bay in the frontier between the west Highlands and the Islands of Scotland, separating land and sea, just as Castle Black sits between Westeros and the lands beyond The Wall. Rich notes of cherry pie and candied orange peel open up on the palate that drifts into a wonderful crème caramel and a wisp of charred oak.
  
  Bottled at 43% ABV, RRP £65

The knowledgeable whisky drinkers amongst you will have noticed that two of The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection line up are not new expressions, namely the Cardhu Gold Reserve and Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old, these are the existing expressions which are simply being presented in the Game of Thrones packaging. However six of the whiskies are new expressions, and I expect these six to be extremely popular, in fact many retailers who were taking pre-orders have already sold out.

Diageo has not revealed the number of bottles that will be available for each expression in The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection but I don't think that this will dampen demand for them and I suspect these will be very popular with whisky drinkers and collectors as well as fans of the cult TV series.

Whisky specialist shops are now taking pre-orders for the eight whiskies in The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection with many of them already sold out but more stock may come available. You will find The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop

However, you may have more success pre-ordering from Amazon and I would suggest that you don't hang around if you want to get your hands on a full set as it is unpredictable just how fast these will sell out and I suspect certain expressions will be very popular. You can order bottles individually from Amazon and they have no restrictions on the number of each bottle you can order. Amazon are also offering the complete set of the eight whiskies in The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection for £398.
 

• About The Game Of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection
   
• Talisker Select Reserve Game of Thrones House Greyjoy Review
   
• Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost Game of Thrones House Stark Review
   
• Singleton of Glendullan Select Game of Thrones House Tully Review

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