Diageo Single Malt Special Release

Rare and highly sought-after whiskies – in time for Christmas

Whisky lovers lavish the elixir with lyrical superlatives and consider their favoured distilleries personal and unique, while their hearts do a merry waltz upon hearing the words “rare”, “single malt” and “limited edition”. The much-anticipated 2013 Diageo Single Malt Whisky Special Release offers collectors and connoisseurs the opportunity to snap up dwindling stocks from small-batch, familiar and less-well-known distilleries. Since 2001, this release has been one of the highlights of the year for whisky lovers.

“These are some of the rarest and most sought-after single malts you can taste,” says Dr Nick Morgan, who has the inimitable title of head of whisky outreach at Diageo. “Each one gives you a very special insight into the particular whisky and where it comes from.” He cites the famously smoky Lagavulin from Islay off the west coast of Scotland.   

“Even after 37 years in a barrel, the Lagavulin is unmistakeably of Islay. Its huge aromas and flavours speak of those rich, complex and scented smoke notes that are particular to this tiny distillery.” It is the oldest vintage of this distillery ever released by Diageo and only 1,868 bottles are available (£1,950 each).

Described as having a heart of darkness with the suggestion of a volcanic heritage, 3,000 bottles of the 27-year-old Talisker (£475) are also available. Perfect for a tempestuous winter’s evening, it is Wuthering Heights in a bottle.  

Although the 28-year-old Singleton of Dufftown may sound like a character from Bridget Jones’s Diary, it is a much sought-after malt from Speyside, matured in American oak casks (2,816 bottles, £235 a bottle). Singleton of Dufftown makes its first appearance in this 2013 release.

Of all the whiskies Dr Morgan says: “I feel very lucky to have tried a dram.”