It is that time of the year again. Diageo just announced their Special Releases for 2018, and it comes with a big surprise. The line-up as revealed so far contains neither a new Brora, nor a new Port Ellen.
According to the press release, the decision to not include Brora or Port Ellen has to do with the plans to rebuild and re-open the two iconic distilleries. The below is all that is mentioned about the choice to no longer include either of the two.
‘For the first time since the collection’s launch in 2001, Port Ellen and Brora will not be included in the range. Port Ellen and Brora are among the rarest Single Malt Whiskies still being released and will continue to be available for purchase as annual bottlings outside of the collection. This move follows the news of the re-opening of the Port Ellen & Brora distilleries.’
There are some interesting other whiskies though, including an Inchgower, which (if I remember correctly) is the first time this distillery’ll get a Special Release. There’s also an 8-year-old Talisker at high strength. Below is the entire line-up, minus one release that’ll be announced later in the year.
CARSEBRIDGE 48 year old (43.2%)
Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No. of bottles: 1,000
CAOL ILA UNPEATED 15 year old (59.1%)
Cask: Refill & Rejuvenated American Oak Hogsheads and
Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts
Limited quantities worldwide
CAOL ILA 35 year old (58.1%)
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill European Oak Butts
No of bottles: 3,276
INCHGOWER 27 year old (55.3%)
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No of bottles: 8,544
LAGAVULIN 12 year old (57.8%)
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
Limited quantities available worldwide
OBAN 21 year old (57.9%)
Cask: Refill European Oak Butts
Limited availability worldwide
PITTYVAICH 28 year old (52.1%)
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads
No of bottles: 4,680
THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD 14 year old (57.6%)
Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads and Ex-Bodega European Oak butts followed by a unique maturation and marrying process
Limited quantities available worldwide
TALISKER 8 year old (59.4%)
Cask: First fill Ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogsheads
Limited availability worldwide
awesome.