The Diageo “Special Releases” range is keenly awaited each year, and the latest collection (2020) is now being made available to markets around the world.
[Update: If you’re looking for info on the Diageo Special Releases for 2021, see our more recent post here.]
Whisky & Wisdom has attended the launch events for the Special Releases range in previous years, but with COVID still largely preventing such public events, a special media kit was prepared for this year’s range. The box – a very attractive and well-presented affair, it must be said – contained samples of the eight releases.
The idea behind the Diageo Special Releases range is to present and showcase whiskies from selected distilleries that differ significantly from the usual or familiar form that we associate with those distilleries. We thus see things like unpeated releases from Islay distilleries; or releases with significant age statements that aren’t normally available; or releases given special cask treatments or finishes; or simply releases from closed or rarely seen distilleries. There’s always something for everyone, and each year’s Special Releases range showcases a diverse spectrum of flavours and also price points.
The 2020 range is somewhat of a sequel in some respects, carrying on the “rare by nature” theme of last year’s range. The same eight distilleries featured in 2019 have been selected again, and Diageo is thus referring to them as an “encore collection”. Master blender, Dr Craig Wilson, has taken the same eight distilleries as 2019, but presents them in a different light. You can read more about the history and development of the Special Releases range here.
The 2020 Diageo Special Releases are as follows, with Australian RRP’s provided….
-
- Dalwhinnie 30yo, 51.9%, matured in refill hogsheads that were filled in 1989 – $970
-
- Dufftown 17yo (badged and presented as The Singleton), 55.1%, matured in refill American oak hogsheads – $210
-
- Cardhu 11yo, 56%, matured in a mix of refill, new and ex-bourbon American oak – $160
-
- Cragganmore 20yo, 55.8%, matured in refill and new fresh-charred casks – $240
-
- Pittyvaich 30yo, 50.8%, matured in 1st-fill ex-bourbon casks – $690
-
- Mortlach 21yo, 56.9%, finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks – $1,100
-
- Talisker 8yo, 57.9%, finished in pot-still Caribbean rum casks – $170
-
- Lagavulin 12yo, 56.4%, matured in refill American oak casks – $215
We won’t bore you with our personal, comprehensive tasting notes for each release, but we were struck by numerous features and experiences whilst tasting the range, and it’s worth commenting on the following:
- The Talisker 8yo was our pick of the bunch, but only just edging out the Dalwhinnie 30yo for first place. The Talisker just exudes that classic, ozone-like Skye peat, and this release was also notable for seeming much peatier than the regular 10yo expression.
- The Dalwhinnie 30yo was exceptionally complex, changing and evolving with time in the glass. A whisky of this age deserves time and contemplation, and the dram develops and delivers plenty over a good 20 minutes. It also offers – without doubt – one of the longest, lingering finishes you’ll experience.
- Fans of Mortlach should jump on the 21yo. The finishing in the sherry casks is subtle but effective, and not at all domineering. However, the wine has fused beautifully with the meatiness of Mortlach, delivering an incredibly rich experience. This is the dessert whisky in the line up.
- For those who pride themselves on having a good sense of smell, you should seek out the Cragganmore 20yo. It displays an incredible nose that mixes a kaleidoscope of sweetness, cereal, creaminess, and even just a hint of smokiness. Exceptionally complex.
- The Lagavulin 12yo is simply sublime and fits beautifully between the regular 8yo and 16yo releases that we’re all familiar with. The coastal maritime notes combine with genuinely earthy peat to create a genuine wooden bonfire on the beach.
– – – – – – –
It’s an eclectic mix this year but, as intended, there’s something for everyone, and you won’t be disappointed – all eight malts offer something special. And that’s why they’re called the Special Releases, right? 😉
The Diageo Special Releases 2020 range is now available nationally from over 200 retailers including Dan Murphys, Langtons, BWS, and a host of independent outlets.
Cheers,
AD
With thanks to Diageo Australia and Sweet&Chilli for the opportunity.
There were internal links in the text above to our feature piece on the 2017 Special Releases. You can also read our piece on the 2016 Special Releases range here. You can also read the official Press Release from Diageo here.
