Diageo Rare & Exceptional unveils its Rare Series, a new collection of single malts celebrating Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.
The first chapter of the series opens with five ultra-rare whiskies from iconic locations, including a 55-Year-Old from ghost distillery Glenury Royal, the oldest Single Malt ever released by Diageo, alongside limited releases from Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol.
Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series, a rare survivor from the long-lost ghost distillery, which closed its Highland doors in 1985, is a 55-Year-Old Single Malt matured in American oak hogsheads and married in European oak puncheons. Talisker 1992 Rare Series is defined by an exceptionally long finish. A 33-year-old whisky is finished for over 20 years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads. Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series is the oldest Caol Ila the distillery has ever released, at 42-year-old, matured in American oak casks then married in European oak puncheons. Clynelish 1983 Rare Series, a small batch 42-year-old Single Malt, was matured in American oak hogsheads. Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series is a 34-year-old whisky, the first of its kind to be matured in ex-Sherry European oak casks and finished in sweet Pedro Ximenez–seasoned new American oak hogsheads.
Drawn from the most unique whiskies within Diageo’s reserves which include more than 10 million casks and over 30 distilleries, Rare Series is a prestigious, evolving collection. It invites connoisseurs on a journey across Scotland’s whisky regions, from the Highland heartlands and the rugged northern coast to the windswept shores of Islay and the Isle of Skye.
“It is a privilege to unearth the exceptional Scotch Whiskies in Rare Series, a collection celebrating the remarkable breadth of Scotland’s scattered whisky treasures,” said Diageo Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson. “From the experimental richness of Talisker 1992 Rare Series to the historic Glenury Royal, which has been aged for over half a century, and a Clynelish which embodies the distillery’s signature waxy character, each expression showcases rarity, diversity, and meticulous craftsmanship. We look forward to seeing the series evolve with future additions to come.”
“With Rare Series, we’re introducing whiskies that have been shaped over decades and presenting them with the context they deserve, allowing for a deeper understanding of how time, cask, and region have influenced their character. A celebration of the scattered treasures of Scotland,” said Morgane Gaubier, Director of Luxury for Diageo North America. “Through a global program of curated tastings, Private Clients and collectors can experience each release with greater clarity and gain insight into the decisions that define them.”
Future Rare Series releases will be unveiled only when these whiskies reveal their finest character, as determined by Diageo’s Master Blenders, with Private Clients offered exclusive first access.
