A Quick Look at Diageo’s 2020 “Rare by Nature”
I thought I’d post a brief run down of the recent Diageo releases for the few that haven‘t yet seen them! They have a great selection of some fantastic distilleries this year. Eight highly sought after whiskies that showcase Diageo’s incredible whisky stocks from over 30 different distilleries! They do this to highlight some long forgotten drams and more experimental expressions that are sure to excite the collectors, as well as the drinker.
With all that said, here are the 2020 Special Releases “Rare by Nature”:
ABV: 55.1%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 2002
CASKS: First ever release from 100% refill American oak hogsheads
REGION: Speyside
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown
This unusual first-ever exclusively refill cask release of The Singleton Dufftown has been matured for seventeen years in refill American oak hogsheads, to showcase the fresh, spring-like nature of this slowly crafted single malt.
ABV: 57.9%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 2011
CASKS: From refill casks, then finished in pot – still Caribbean Rum casks
REGION: Isle of Skye
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Carbost
From a malt rich in maritime character, this adventurous release of Talisker is the first ever to be finished in pot-still Caribbean rum casks.
ABV: 56.9%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 1999
CASKS: Finished in fresh – toasted Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso – seasoned casks
REGION: Speyside
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown
This Mortlach was matured for rich distillery character in small batches then carefully finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso- seasoned casks to build yet more levels of aroma and taste.
ABV: 56.4%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 2007
CASKS: From refill hogsheads and butts selected for quality alone
REGION: Islay
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Port Ellen
This single vintage Lagavulin has been matured in traditional refill American oak casks selected to give a perfect expression of distillery character. Soaring in taste and intensity, the flavour is powerful and assertive yet subtly sweet.
ABV: 56.0%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 2008
C A S K S: Refill casks and new and ex – bourbon American oak hogsheads
REGION: Speyside
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Knockando
Clean, elegant and perfectly poised, this Cardhu was made in small batches and matured in refill casks, as well as new and ex-bourbon American oak, drawing out tones of floral sweetness and spicy intensity in a playful exchange between wood and whisky.
ABV: 55.8%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 1999
CASKS: From refill and new fresh – charred American Oak hogsheads
REGION: Speyside
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Ballindalloch
A Cragganmore of this age has never been released from the distillery, making this elusive malt a much anticipated expression. A small, experimental batch of cask strength and medium-peated Cragganmore matured in traditional refill American oak casks.
ABV: 51.9%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 1989
CASKS: From refill American Oak hogsheads.
REGION: Highland
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dalwhinnie
This ultra-rare single vintage Dalwhinnie has an astonishing bright intensity for its age and comes uniquely from refill American oak hogsheads, all of which were casked in 1989.
ABV: 50.8%
DISTILLATION YEAR: 1989
CASKS: Matured in refill and finished in first – fill ex – bourbon casks
REGION: Speyside
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown (closed distillery)
This elusive 1989 Pittyvaich from the last remaining stocks is the first ever to be finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
