Inbox Extra (April 14, 2018) - Diageo Special Releases 2018

Diageo have announced initial details of the whiskies in this year's Special Releases outturn. The biggest producer of Scotch whisky has revealed nine of the ten bottlings, with the tenth to follow later in the year. All are scheduled for an Autumn release. The Special Releases, which are designed to highlight rare whiskies from within Diageo's extensive portfolio of single grains and single malts, have been eagerly anticipated each year since the programme was first started in 2001.

Almost as intriguing as what has been revealed is the absence of Brora and Port Ellen for the first time. These have both been stalwarts of the programme since it began, but stocks are now said to be critically low after both ceased production in the early 1980s. Further information, imagery and recommended prices will be revealed closer to the release date.

“The Special Releases launch is a highlight in our whisky calendar year. It’s a collection that allows both knowledgeable whisky fans and those new to Scotch to hunt out truly unique limited editions. The range delivers memorable taste experiences unlike any other and the exceptional variety and quality of whiskies in this year’s collection will not disappoint.”
Donald Colville - Global Malts Ambassador at Diageo.

The initial details of the Special Releases 2018 are below.

CARSEBRIDGE 48 year old
Single Grain - 43.2% ABV
Region: Lowlands
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No. of bottles: 1,000

CAOL ILA UNPEATED 15 year old
Single Malt - 59.1% ABV
Region: Islay
Cask: Refill & Rejuvenated American Oak Hogsheads and Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts
Limited quantities worldwide

CAOL ILA 35 year old
Single Malt - 58.1% ABV
Region: Islay
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill European Oak Butts
No of bottles: 3,276

INCHGOWER 27 year old
Single Malt - 55.3% ABV
Region: Speyside
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No of bottles: 8,544

LAGAVULIN 12 year old
Single Malt - 57.8% ABV
Region: Islay
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
Limited quantities available worldwide

OBAN 21 year old
Single Malt - 57.9% ABV
Region: Highlands
Cask: Refill European Oak Butts
Limited availability worldwide

PITTYVAICH 28 year old
Single Malt - 52.1% ABV
Region: Speyside
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No of bottles: 4,680

THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD 14 year old
Single Malt - 57.6% ABV
Region: Highlands
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads and Ex- Bodega European Oak butts followed by a unique maturation and marrying process
Limited quantities available worldwide

TALISKER 8 year old
Single Malt - 59.4% ABV
Region: Island
Cask: First fill Ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogsheads
Limited availability worldwide