Diageo, a prominent name in the world of spirits, has unveiled its highly anticipated Spirited Xchange Special Releases Scotch Whisky Collection for 2023. This exceptional collection is curated by Dr. Stuart Morrison, Diageo's portfolio master blender, who has meticulously selected eight rare and collectible single malts from their extensive portfolio of brands.
What sets this year's Spirited Xchange collection apart is its celebration of the global influence and diversity of Scotch whisky. Each expression in the collection comes adorned with bespoke label art created by eight talented artists from across the globe. These artists drew inspiration from the collection's theme, resulting in packaging designs that beautifully convey the essence of the whiskies within.
Dr. Stuart Morrison, the master blender behind this unique collection, expressed his excitement, saying, "For me, Spirited Xchange is about identifying and celebrating the ideas, flavors, and tastes that surround us each day and inspire our curiosity to create." He further emphasized that this collection has provided them with the opportunity to explore their vast portfolio and experiment with various cask types, including wine and local spirits casks, resulting in eight one-of-a-kind expressions.
Let's delve into the distinct character of each whisky in this remarkable collection:
- Mortlach 'The Katana's Edge': This Mortlach expression has been finished in ex-Kanosuke Japanese whisky and ex-Pinot Noir casks. It is celebrated for its umami flavor, which cuts through its ripe, fruity sweetness, delivering a truly unique tasting experience.
- The Singleton 'The Silken Gown': Crafted by finishing the whisky in rich Chardonnay de Bourgogne French oak casks, this expression entices with warm toffee and buttery golden fruit notes, akin to the textures of a luminous silk gown.
- Talisker 'The Wild Explorador': Celebrating the sea, this Talisker whisky has been finished in a combination of white, tawny, and ruby port casks. It offers waves of dark fruit and currents of spice, concluding with a dash of sea salt, reminiscent of an iconic Portuguese vessel.
- Lagavulin 'The Ink of Legends': Honoring the ancient art of tattooing, Lagavulin's renowned smokiness shines in this expression. It is masterfully finished in Don Julio Añejo Tequila casks, resulting in a captivating blend of bright herbs and juicy plums.
- Roseisle 'The Origami Kite': Roseisle Distillery makes its debut in the Special Releases collection with this expression. It boasts sweet vanilla notes with a touch of molasses, promising a delightful tasting journey.
- Glenkinchie 'The Floral Treasure' 27 Year Old: Among the oldest bottlings from Glenkinchie, this expression carries lush floral aromas and sweet flavors, reminiscent of a serene spring morning.
- Oban 'The Soul of Calypso': Capturing the vivid energy of Caribbean culture, this whisky offers vibrant flavors of tropical mango and sugar cane emerging from Caribbean pot still rum casks.
- Clynelish 'The Jazz Crescendo': This whisky is a symphony of vanilla spice and smooth caramel notes, exclusively matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks.
To commemorate the launch of this extraordinary collection, Diageo is organizing an immersive event in Scotland. This event will bring together culinary experts, bartenders, and artists, creating an unforgettable whisky-focused experience that shares the compelling stories of Talisker, Lagavulin, and The Singleton.
Whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike will have the chance to acquire these limited-edition gems starting September 18, 2023, when they become available on malts.com. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Scotch whisky, the Spirited Xchange Special Releases 2023 collection promises an unparalleled journey through diverse flavors and cultures.
About The Special Releases Collection
Diageo's Special Releases collection is an annual and highly anticipated series of limited-edition Scotch whiskies. Diageo, one of the world's leading spirits companies, is renowned for its extensive portfolio of whisky brands, including well-known names like Johnnie Walker, Talisker, Lagavulin, and many others. The Special Releases collection, however, showcases some of their rarest and most exceptional whiskies, often from lesser-known distilleries within their extensive portfolio.
Each year, Diageo carefully selects a diverse range of whiskies to include in the Special Releases collection. These selections are typically aged for a significant number of years, and they may come from different regions of Scotland, such as the Highlands, Speyside, Islay, or even closed distilleries. The collection is known for its exploration of various whisky styles, with an emphasis on unique maturation processes, cask types, and flavor profiles.
One of the key features of the Special Releases collection is its limited availability. These whiskies are released in small quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs. The limited nature of the collection adds to its allure and exclusivity, driving interest among whisky aficionados.
Diageo's Special Releases are celebrated for their quality and innovation. Each bottle is meticulously crafted, often presented at cask strength without chill-filtration, allowing the full depth and complexity of the whisky's flavor to shine through. These releases are known for pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the world of whisky, offering unique and memorable tasting experiences.
In addition to providing whisky enthusiasts with the opportunity to taste exceptional and often rare expressions, the Special Releases collection serves as a testament to Diageo's commitment to the craft of whisky-making and its dedication to preserving the legacy of Scotland's diverse distilleries. Whether you're a seasoned whisky collector or a curious newcomer, exploring Diageo's Special Releases is a journey into the world of premium Scotch whisky that's not to be missed.
About Diageo
Diageo is a multinational alcoholic beverage company with a rich and storied history in the world of spirits and beverages. Founded in 1997 through a merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, Diageo quickly became one of the world's leading players in the alcoholic beverage industry. The company is headquartered in London, England, and it operates in over 180 countries, making it a global powerhouse in the sector.
Diageo's diverse portfolio includes a wide range of iconic brands across various categories, such as Scotch whisky, vodka, rum, gin, and beer. Some of its most well-known brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Baileys, among many others. The company's impressive collection of brands spans different price points and appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers, from premium and luxury offerings to more accessible, everyday choices.
One of Diageo's core strengths lies in its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company has a vast network of distilleries, breweries, and production facilities across the globe, each with its own heritage and expertise. This allows Diageo to produce a wide variety of high-quality spirits, each with its unique characteristics and flavors, catering to the preferences of discerning consumers.
In addition to its dedication to product excellence, Diageo places a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable business practices. The company is actively involved in initiatives related to environmental sustainability, responsible drinking, and community development. Diageo's commitment to sustainability includes efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, promote responsible alcohol consumption, and support local communities in the regions where it operates.
Diageo's influence extends beyond its products and business operations. The company plays an active role in shaping the culture and trends within the spirits and beverage industry. It often introduces innovative marketing campaigns, collaborates with artists and designers, and sponsors events and initiatives that celebrate the art and culture of drinking.
In summary, Diageo is a global leader in the alcoholic beverage industry, known for its extensive portfolio of well-established brands, commitment to quality and sustainability, and its impact on the world of spirits and drinking culture. With a presence in nearly every corner of the world, Diageo continues to be a prominent player in the evolving and dynamic world of beverages.
