For scotch lovers with deep pockets, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Diageo has announced its 10 annual Special Release whiski. Each of these rare whiskies sure to be highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. The expected names are there—Port Ellen, Brora, Lagavulin—and are joined by expressions from Caol Ila, Convalmore, Blair Athol, Glen Elgin, Teaninich, and Port Dundas.
This year, for the first time ever, Diageo is releasing a blended malt that includes whisky from all 28 of its active single malt distilleries. Collectivum XXVIII draws whisky from across Scotland’s regions (except for Campbeltown, where Diageo does not have a distillery):
Lowlands: Glenkinchie
Highlands: Blair Athol, Clynelish, Glen Ord, Lochnagar, Oban, Teaninich
Islands: Talisker
Islay: Caol Ila, Lagavulin
Speyside: Auchroisk, Benrinnes, Cardhu, Cragganmore, Dailuaine, Dalwhinnie, Dufftown, Glendullan, Glen Elgin, Glenlossie, Glen Spey, Inchgower, Knockando, Linkwood, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Roseisle, Strathmill
The whiskies used in Collectivum were aged in refill American oak hogsheads, refill European oak butts, ex-bodega European oak (that is, from a Spanish sherry producer), and/or first fill bourbon casks. Diageo has not stated how many bottles of Collectivum XVIII are available but, like all the Special Releases, quantities will be limited. Unfortunately for Americans, there won’t be any bottles of this whisky hitting shelves in the U.S., but it is available to purchase online through The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, and other retailers.
Read on for full details on this year’s Special Releases, which will hit store shelves this fall.
Diageo 2017 Special Releases
Blair Athol 24 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 58.4% ABV
Cask type: Ex-bodega European oak butts
Availability: 5,514 bottles worldwide
Price: $460
Brora 34 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 51.9% ABV
Cask type: Refill American oak hogsheads
Availability: 3,000 bottles worldwide
Price: $1,700
Caol Ila 18 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 59.8% ABV
Cask type: Refill American oak hogsheads
Availability: Limited quantities worldwide
Price: $100
Collectivum XXVIII
Style: Blended malt
Proof: 57.3% ABV
Cask types: Blend of refill American oak hogsheads, refill European oak butts, ex-bodega European oak butts, and first fill bourbon casks
Availability: Limited quantities worldwide; not available in the U.S.
Price: £125 (roughly $165)
Convalmore 32 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 48.2% ABV
Cask type: Refill American oak hogsheads
Availability: 3,972 bottles worldwide
Price: $1,400
Glen Elgin 18 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 54.8% ABV
Cask type: Ex-bodega European oak butts
Availability: 5,352 bottles worldwide
Price: $340
Lagavulin 12 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 56.5% ABV
Cask type: Refill American oak hogsheads
Availability: Limited quantities worldwide
Price: $130
Port Dundas 52 year old
Style: Single grain
Proof: 44.6% ABV
Cask type: Refill American oak hogsheads
Availability: 752 bottles worldwide
Price: $900
Port Ellen 37 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 51% ABV
Cask types: Refill American oak hogsheads and refill American oak butts
Availability: 2,988 bottles worldwide
Price: $3,500
Teaninich 17 year old
Style: Single malt
Proof: 55.9% ABV
Cask types: Refill American oak hogsheads and refill American Oak barrels
Availability: Limited quantities worldwide
Price: $310
