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Diageo Special Releases 2021
“A sweet, perfumed taste like Parma Violets.”
Diageo has been releasing limited amounts of malt whisky from selected distilleries in its ‘Special Releases’ series since 2001. The bottles’ reputation for quality, combined with the care that goes into their selection from the vast number of casks at the company’s disposal and their relative rarity has pleased both consumers and collectors. Dr Craig Wilson, Master Blender and ‘Curator’ of the collection, writes: “It’s an exciting time as we’re starting to push the boundaries of what we can really achieve with flavour, whether that be from the way the spirit was made, or from the unique cask finish used, and what we’ve achieved with this year’s collection is just the very beginning.” This year the theme is ‘Legends Untold.’ The expressions each have curious names – The Lion’s Fire, The Rogue Seafury, The Moonlit Beast, etc. Diageo’s press release explains: “Legendary tales speak of eight mysterious mythological beings that roam the land and rule the waters, hidden from sight in the lochs and rugged highlands, known only to a privileged few. This year the mythical creatures of the distilleries are set to collide and come to life, revealing their true characters… This autumn the stories will be revealed as the spirits leap to life in unusual ways, as we share these legends for the first time.”
“Savoury overall but with a sweet tartness (roasted pheasant with rowan jelly!).”
Cardhu 14 Year Old The Scarlet Blossoms of the Black Rock 70cl 14 Year Old Speyside Single Malt
55.5% VOL £120
Bright polished brass with a roseate tinge, 9CT gold lights. American oak refill casks. A mild nose-feel. The overall impression is fresh, fruity and lightly acidic – white grapes, lychees, green apples, a trace of orange zest – with a suggestion of buttery pastry. A drop of water introduces a faint floral note. A creamy texture and a sweet, perfumed taste like Parma Violets. Lithe, light-bodied, and elegant – a Julie Andrews of malts!
Mortlach 13 Year Old The Moonlit Beast 70cl 13 Year Old Speyside Single Malt
55.9% VOL £135
The hue of golden syrup. Refill and virgin oak casks. Very good beading. A mellow, rounded nose-feel, lightly dry. The aroma is savoury overall but with a sweet tartness (roasted pheasant with rowan jelly!). A fine moorland base-note, with heather pollen and freshly crushed herbs. Water sharpens the aroma with a hint of lime. A big, soft, texture and a sweet taste overall with a savoury finish and a pinch of chilli pepper.
