Diageo Special Releases 2023 - Spirited Xchange
Diageo Special Releases 2023 - Spirited Xchange

This year’s edition of the Diageo Special Releases, created by master blender Dr Stuart Morrison and his award-winning team, is a celebration of cultural collaboration. It is a range of whiskies inspired by countries around the world and features well known single malts with creative finishes, as well as new expressions from seldom-seen distilleries.

Each bottle features eye-catching artwork inspired by aspects of different cultures from across the globe, and aims to bring their stories to life.

Talisker

The Wild Explorador

A balance of grace and power, this cask-strength Talisker pays homage to the great ships of Portuguese exploradors that sailed around the world to unknown destinations. By finishing this maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny Port casks, Talisker’s robust character has been tempered – but not tamed – by notes of rich dried fruit.

The Singleton 14 Year Old

The Silken Gown

A bright and summery expression from The Singleton of Glendullan, inspired by the vibrant, elegant creations of French ateliers. Finished in Chardonnay de Bourgogne casks, this single malt has a rich, silky character with layers of golden fruit.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old

The Ink of Legends

This is a modern take on Lagavulin’s classic spirits, inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, with each work of art a tale of histories on a living canvas. Finished in Don Julio Anejo Tequila casks, this whisky balances the distillery’s iconic coastal peat and juicy fruit with layers of bright citrus and herbal smoke.

Mortlach

The Katana’s Edge

Inspired by the flavours of Japan and the precision and skill harnessed in crafting legendary katana blades, this sweet yet savoury Speyside malt has been finished in a combination of ex-Kanosuke Japanese whisky and ex-Pinot Noir casks. The result is a fruity, spicy whisky with a wild note of umami cutting through the savoury sweetness.

Clynelish 10 Year Old

The Jazz Crescendo

Alluring and smooth, this is a whisky with all the vibrant, soulful richness of classic American jazz. Matured exclusively in American oak ex-bourbon casks, this expression is a fusion of Clynelish’s classic honeyed flavours and waxy texture, imbued with rich caramel and warming vanilla spice.

Oban 11 Year Old

The Soul of Calypso

Celebrating the passion and soul of the Caribbean and the beating heart of calypso, this lively Oban whisky has been finished in Caribbean pot still rum casks. This bold maturation forged a tropical character, with juicy mango, bright spices and sugar cane alongside Oban’s typical fusion of the Highland and Island styles.

Glenkinchie 27 Year Old

The Floral Treasure

One of the oldest Glenkinchie releases ever bottled by the distillery, this remarkable whisky is inspired by the iconic porcelain of China’s great dynasties. Finished in a combination of refill American and European oak barrels and butts, it is full of lush floral aromas, rich spiciness and sweet fruit notes.

Roseisle 12 Year Old

The Origami Kite

The first-ever release of Roseisle single malt pays homage to the centuries-old craft of origami kite-making, which combines wonder, simplicity and a touch of something magical to make colourful and elegant creations. Inspired by the art form, this expression has been matured in first-fill bourbon and refill casks to create a lush character, balancing sweet vanilla, ripe fruit and white chocolate with an underlying spiciness and warmth.

More Special Releases

The Special Releases have been running since 2001 creating an impressive back catalogue of rare and refined whiskies – you can find more of them below.