Exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whiskies issued In time for end of year celebrations
Sunday, 11 October 2009

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A limited edition of nine Single Malt Scotch Whiskies – some among the rarest and most sought after – have just been released from Diageo’s stock. All are bottled at full cask strength.

The release includes three 30 year old Single Malts: Talisker™, from the famous distillery on the island of Skye, and two further releases, from finite and declining stocks, of Port Ellen™ and Brora™ – distilleries that closed for ever in 1983, and which have now acquired cult status among serious whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

The Port Ellen Single Malt is the ninth annual release, and only the second Port Ellen 30 year old to come from the distillers. The Brora 30 year old is the eighth of a very limited series of annual releases, and the most expensive of all this year’s releases, with a recommended price of £230.

Other popular continuations from previous years’ releases are a 12 year old Lagavulin™; the famously unpeated Caol Ila™ (but this time in a 10 year old expression) and another majestic 25 year old Talisker.

Unusual Speysides

This year, whisky connoisseurs and collectors will also be intrigued by the presence of three differently aged, unusual and rare Speyside Single Malts.

Benrinnes™, rarely available as a Single Malt, comes as a 23 year old, rich and dark from the influence of European Oak sherry wood casks. Pittyvaich™ has rarely been available and then usually in a heavily sherried style: this year’s 20 year old bottling comes from refill American Oak which reveals this closed distillery’s true spirit character. And a quite unique 18 year old Mannochmore™ has been assembled from a combination of reconditioned bodega European Oak, bourbon casks, and new American Oak casks.

Global Availability

On sale in some 15 markets in N. America and Europe, but not all markets take all 9 products. Also available in selected global duty free outlets.

“First and foremost, to be enjoyed…”

See quote from Nick Morgan:

Diageo spokesman Dr Nick Morgan said: “We have been selecting and issuing our Special Releases since 2001 and we know that whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs look forward every year to rediscovering new expressions of old favourites like Port Ellen, Brora and Talisker, and enjoying some fresh discoveries, such as the three unusual Speyside Malts that we are offering this year.

“Demand for rare Malt Whiskies continues to grow, and as before some of these being released this year are drawn from a finite and dwindling stock, as their distilleries were closed a quarter of a century ago. But although these will appeal to collectors because of their rarity, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that these are fabulous drinking whiskies with unique tastes and flavours, that have been bottled first and foremost to be savoured and enjoyed.”

Images: Bottle shots in low and high resolution and further information from Patrick Roberts at malts@cognispr.net or on +44 (0)7774 424 410.

Copyright : The Classic Malts, The Classic Malts Selection, Benrinnes, Brora, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Mannochmore, Pittyvaich, Port Ellen and Talisker words, the Quaich device and associated logos are trade marks. © 2009
This press release was distributed via Response Source, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of Cognis Public Relations. For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires