A Sneak Peek at Diageo Special Releases 2024

The Diageo Special Release package is one that I always look forward to every year. I usually set the box aside once it arrives and wait to give it the full attention it deserves. I have purchased many bottles over the years from the Special Releases Collection for personal indulgence and investment purposes. This year was no exception, and I will be buying a few bottles for myself, much to my accountant’s chagrin.

The Diageo Special Release program started in 2001 on the shoulders of the “Rare Malts Collection” of the 1990s. The Special Releases features Diageo’s complete single malt portfolio, including lesser-known distilleries. Though once these bottles are gone, they are gone.

Mortlach 13 Year Old “Midnight Dusk” ABV 57.5%

Mortlach a Speyside distillery founded in 1823, that has been rediscovered with its new releases over the last several years. This Mortlach expression, finished in ex-Italian Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks, is a departure from the distillery’s traditional profile. The striking ruby hue hints at the unique flavors within. The nose offers white grapes and a blend of citrus and once you add a drop of water fudge and caramel rises up. The palate is a complex tapestry of crisp fruit and spice and black pepper. A nice long finish with the continued presence of pepper and spice.

Singleton 14 Year Old Autumn Walk ABV 54.7%

Singleton a new brand launched in 2006 that encompasses three different distilleries from Speyside. The three distilleries are a main backbone of the Johnnie Walker blend and now getting more individual recognition as a great value single malt.

Singleton Autumn Walk was aged in multiple casks for 10 years before finishing in European Oak and oak cask ends.

A deep amber colored scotch showing its time in ex bourbon barrels. The nose is mild with hints of vanilla and birthday cake. The sweetness continues when it lays on your tongue with a soft mix of pepper and vanilla. The finish is a long welcoming process with hints of spice that also opens up with a few drops of water.

Talisker 8 Year Old “Tidal Churn” ABV 58.7%

Talisker founded in 1830 on the Isle of Skye sitting feet away from the Loch Harport where the barrels are surrounded by the maritime air year round. Starting in ex bourbon cask before migrating to toasted American Oak casks.

The pour fills the glass with deep gold liquid. The nose allows it to show its maritime heritage and years of sea breeze. Once in the mouth the peppery spice of Talisker is present with hints of apple and sea salt. The finish is long for 8 years and with a few drops of water the pepperiness is present and well balanced.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old “Fireside Tales” 57.4% ABV

Distilled on the island of Islay whose start began as an illegal distillery in the early 1800’s before succumbing to the tax man and becoming officially recognized in 1816. One of the top 3 distilleries in my opinion that embodies the “Peat” profile of Islay.

The 12 year old started off in ex bourbon barrels before being transferred to American Oak followed by refill European Oak Butts. All of these different barrels do not give the liquid a dark amber hue but more of a look of an oaked chardonnay. Light smoke fills the nose along with cream and dark fruits. It is a medium bodied Lagavulin with continued smoke presence but not overwhelming the nose nor the mouth with its cask strength. The finish is long and smoky for a Lagavulin and a few drops of water lets the warming spice coat your throat.

Oban 10 Year Old “Coastal Orchard” 58% ABV

Oban Distillery founded in 1794 and as one of Scotland oldest and smallest distilleries, it sits in the middle of town that is the fourth most visited city in Scotland.

Oban known for its limited selection from its distillery, presents this mahogany liquid 10 Year old partly finished in Oloroso seasoned American Oak casks. The Oban Bay just yards gives it its maritime nose with hints of oak. Vanilla and orange are present when it lays in the mouth with spice on the edges. A nice medium finish and with drops of water spice lays on top of the finish and fortunately the Oloroso finish is not overpowering.

Caol Ila 11 Year Old Unpeated “Ambrosial Feast” 57.3% ABV

Caol Ila sitting on the strait across from Jura and founded in 1846. Caol Ila means “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic and while known for its peated whiskies this special release is unpeated.

Aged in refill and ex-wine American and European Oak casks to give it the deep amber coloring when in your glass. A mild whiskey and uncharacteristically unpeated with more nuttiness on the nose. Creamy and sweet with hints of spice when in the mouth. Nice dry finish and with a few drops of water the spice appears at the end.

Roseisle 12 Year Old “Origami Kite II”55.6% ABV

The second-ever release from the innovative Speyside Roseisle Distillery established in 2010. This 12-year-old is matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks giving it deep amber coloring. To me it is an interesting addition to the Special Release Program and almost a debutante arrival to the scotch whiskey world of what may come out of this versatile distillery with seven stills that can switch between stainless steel or standard copper shell and tube condensers.

The nose reveals ripe fruit and vanilla. When laying on the tongue it is a layered creamy with a soft mix of vanilla and soft fruit. A nice long sweet finish and with drops of water hints of pepper. We expect to see more from the new distillery in the coming years.

Benrinnes 21 Year Old “Grand Crescendo” ABV 55.4%

A Speyside distillery that has seen flames and floods in its close to 200 year history. Rarely seen on the shelves and primarily used in Johhnie Walker blends and others. Also a favorite of independent bottlers and it is the oldest scotch in the 2024 Special Release.

This bottling includes maturation in multiple casks from refill casks to American and European Oak wine casks giving it a deep amber color. Notes of dark fruit and tobacco are on the note. Full bodied and layered when in the mouth with a complex medley of spice and oak and one of my favorites baked apple. A nice long finish with hints of spice when drops of water are added.