Diageo has unveiled its 2020 Distillers Edition collection. This year’s series from the spirits giant features six limited-edition Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from some of the world’s most iconic distilleries.
The annual Distillers Edition Single Malts showcase the complexities that unfold as mature whiskies are given a second maturation period in specially hand-crafted fortified wine casks. Using each distillery’s core offering as the base Whisky, the Distillers Edition bottlings complement the brand’s traditional character while providing spirits lovers a chance to explore the dynamic flavor possibilities of these six beloved distilleries.
World-renowned trademarks Lagavulin, Oban and Talisker – in addition to Scotch Whisky classics Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie and Glenkinchie – comprise the Diageo 2020 Distillers Edition collection. Underscoring the unparalleled craftsmanship and unmatched expertise required by these world-class distillers and blenders, the annual Distillers Edition Single Malts offer rich, complex and rare tasting experiences – making these limited edition bottles an ideal holiday gift for Scotch fans.
“The annual Distillers Edition whiskies are incredibly rare and special due to the finishing process the whisky undertakes and the superior craftsmanship of our distillery teams. The team understands the intricacies of coopering and how exploring different casks adds to the dynamic world of flavors, resulting in extremely rounded limited-edition expressions unlike anything else you’ll find on the shelf of your liquor store or spirits shop,” said US Director of Single Malts Jamie Young. “If you’re looking to buy a special holiday gift that offers unexpected yet deep, rare and rich flavors from one of the many renowned Diageo Single Malt distilleries, the Distillers Edition whiskies are a superior option that keep giving with every dram.”
The creation of the Distillers Edition Single Malts involves a two-step maturation process. First, each distiller and their team assemble bespoke casks from re-charred American Oak casks and the special, charred caskends of brand new American Oak. These casks are intentionally created for each distillery’s mature core whisky offering and no other. From there, the casks are filled with hand-selected fortified wine from Spain or Portugal and aged for one month to develop its unique flavor.
Then, the wine is disgorged, and the casks are refilled with mature Single Malt Scotch Whisky originating from a single year to maintain the utmost consistency. Tended to by each dedicated distillery team, the casks are then rested for up to six months all while being diligently assessed until the desired flavor profile is attained.
Each Distillers Edition offering is bottled in a single batch and marked with the date of distillation, bottling and batch number.
All six of the 2020 Distillers Edition bottles are now available in the United States wherever fine spirits are sold. Distillers Edition bottles are also available for online purchase and home delivery via ReserveBar.
The six single malt Scotch whiskies featured in the 2020 Distillers Edition Collection are as follows:
2020 Oban Distillers Edition
2006 Oban double-matured in ex-bodega Montilla Fino cask wood for a rich fruitiness and maritime flavors that bond with the fresh, sweet aromas and tastes of the adored Oban 14 Year Old in an explosive, rich and deep expression of Oban.
- Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old
- ABV: 43%
- SRP: $94.99
2020 Talisker Distillers Edition
2010 Talisker double-matured in ex-bodega Amoroso cask wood for rich and fruity sweetness that rounds out the peaty, peppery punch of the popular, malty Talisker 10 Year Old, to create a richly rewarding and deeper style of malt.
- Core Offering: Talisker 10 Year Old
- ABV: 45.8%
- SRP: $84.99
2020 Lagavulin Distillers Edition
2005 Lagavulin double-matured in ex-bodega Pedro Ximenez cask wood for an intense, raisiny sweetness that marries beautifully with the smoky power of the renowned Lagavulin 16 Year Old to create a massive, rich tasting power-house of a malt.
- Core Offering: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
- ABV: 43%
- SRP: $109.99
2020 Cragganmore Distillers Edition
2008 Cragganmore double-matured in ex-bodega Port cask wood for succulence and rounded depth of flavour to enhance the complex smoky aromas and tastes of the beloved Cragganmore 12 Year Old.
- Core Offering: Cragganmore 12 Year Old
- ABV: 40%
- SRP: $84.99
2020 Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition
2005 Dalwhinnie double-matured in ex-bodega Oloroso cask wood for a rich sweetness and spicy complexity to enhance the heathery, honeyed aromas and tastes of the fan favorite Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old.
- Core Offering: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old
- ABV: 43%
- SRP: $89.99
2020 Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
2008 Glenkinchie double-matured in ex-bodega Amontillado cask wood for a nuttiness that rounds and deepens the sweet, grassy and dry aromas and tastes of the iconic Glenkinchie 12 Year Old.
- Core Offering: Glenkinchie 12 Year Old
- ABV: 43%;
- SRP: $84.99
At the end of August, Diageo has unveiled its 2020 Special Releases Whisky Collection. Curated by Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson, the collection includes eight cask strength single malt Scotch Whiskies drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting distilleries.