Product description
Special Releases is a limited edition whisky released by Diageo each autumn. It debuted in 2002 and consists of the finest and rarest single malt and single grain whiskies from the group's portfolio bottled at cask strength.
In 2020, it consisted of eight single malts, the youngest of which, Talisker, was aged for eight years, while the oldest Dalwhinnie and Pittyvaich were aged for three decades. Four of them (Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Talisker and Lagavulin) formed the legendary Classic Malts series (alongside Oban and Glenkinchie). While Dalwhinnie 30 years old, Special Releases 2019, was a blend of distillates aged in butt and hogshead casks, the 2020 edition came exclusively from refill hogshead casks (American oak). 6,978 bottles were released.
Nose : soft and elegant, nectarines, quince jam, rhubarb cake, honey, a touch of licorice, potpourri, polished oak, wax and a trace of damp chalk.
Taste : sweet with a slight spiciness, grapefruit, lemon peel, plums, banana cake, honey, eucalyptus drops, vanilla, cinnamon, mint leaf and oak.
Finish: medium long, slightly waxy, an extension of the flavor palette.