“Rarity, quality and prestige”: Diageo to release 2019 Special Releases range in leading airports

Diageo unveiled the eight single malt whiskies that will make up the Rare by Nature 2019 Special Releases Collection in an immersive event at London’s Somerset House this week.

At the grand unveiling, guests were transported from the chaos of central London to eight different peaceful corners of Scotland, as they were given a chance to try the new releases from eight renowned Scottish distilleries: Cardhu, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Lagavulin, Mortlach, Pittyvaich, Singleton and Talisker.

“These prestigious and limited-edition bottlings offer fans an opportunity to collect and explore some of our rarest stocks,” says Diageo Global Whisky Master Ewan Gunn proudly

The eight cask-strength whiskies will be introduced to the global travel retail market in limited quantities, with the strongest activity taking place at DXB (Dubai International Airport), London Heathrow Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Diageo Global Travel Marketing & Innovation Director Anna MacDonald said: “Single malts are a big focus for us in travel retail and we have seen significant growth in this category over the years. We know our consumers are looking for rarity, quality and prestige whisky, so we’re incredibly excited to unveil these eight special liquids knowing they deliver on all these needs.”

The spectacular 18th-century Somerset House was the venue for the unveiling

The collection celebrates whiskies with unexpected taste profiles, distinctive maturation techniques and rare finishes to bring these corners of Scotland to life in the new releases. This is also done through the striking packaging, which visually tells the story of each of the distilleries and the whisky they have produced.

Diageo Global Whisky Master Ewan Gunn added: “From the hand-selected single malt Scotch to the visually arresting bottles, they [the whiskies] each tell a strong story of the extraordinary place and the people who have shaped each dram. These prestigious and limited-edition bottlings offer fans an opportunity to collect and explore some of our rarest stocks.”

“We know our consumers are looking for rarity, quality and prestige whisky, so we’re incredibly excited to unveil these eight special liquids knowing they deliver on all these needs.” – Diageo Global Travel Marketing & Innovation Director Anna MacDonald

Tasting notes

Cardhu 14yo (55% ABV) This deep gold whisky comes from a trial batch that was double matured for much longer than the norm in ex-Amontillado sherry-seasoned hogsheads. The result is a smooth and creamy whisky, which builds towards a spicy finish, that opens out and becomes marginally sweeter when water is added. RRP £110

Cragganmore 12yo (58.4% ABV) This expression builds on the smooth character of whiskies from this Speyside distillery. A rich and sweet whisky that gives way to an appealingly smoky and spicy finish. RRP £80

Dalwhinnie 30yo (54.7% ABV) From the highest distillery in Scotland, this finely balanced whisky comes from 30 years in refill hogsheads and butts. A sweet and waxy taste dominates before a long and spicy finish, which is lengthened by a drop of water. RRP £480

Lagavulin 12yo (56.5% ABV) This powerful and peaty single malt has a mild nose with a slight prickle. As well as the intense smoky flavour, the whisky is smooth and unexpectedly sweet. RRP £110

Mighty Mortlach: The red deer stag overlooks the latest release from this Speyside distillery

Mortlach 26yo (53.3% ABV) Rich and bold, this whisky was matured in first-fill Pedro Ximenez/oloroso-seasoned casks. It has a mellow nose before a rich and fruity palate and a long, spicy finish. RRP £1,450

Pittyvaich 29yo (51.4% ABV) A rare new release from the ghost Speyside distillery, which closed in 1993. The whisky is immediately rich and sweet with light flavours of dried fruits before a warm and gingery finish. RRP £330

Singleton 18yo (55% ABV) This Highland whisky has a subtle aroma with a trace of orange peel. The powerful palate starts with the sweetness of caramel and toffee before a warming and complex spicy finish. RRP £120

Talisker 15yo (57.3% ABV) A new product from the Isle of Skye’s world-famous distillery, this is the first ever 15yo single malt from Talisker. The taste is full-bodied and rich at first before giving way to the trademark long, spicy finish of a Talisker whisky. RRP £100

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