The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in virgin Tawny port and red muscat-seasoned casks. For the whisky that arguably has the most exotic cask make-up in this line-up, not to mention its famed meaty spirit, the nose on this is relatively quiet. It takes a bit of digging to find hints of red forest fruits (currants and raspberries) and perhaps some jelly confectionery notes.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Lagavulin 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in and blended from a mix of refill and virgin oak casks; both American oak. The nose is delightfully clean and unadulterated…a classic Islay nose that exudes peat and smoke. It’s very earthy, yet complemented with hints of citrus, orange rind and vanilla. The palate cranks things up a gear, with the heavily peated malt bringing a smoky dryness to proceedings, yet maintaining superb balance and sweetness.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of East Lothian, the Glenkinchie distillery stands as a proud cornerstone of the renowned Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland distilleries. As a testament to its heritage and craftsmanship, Glenkinchie takes great pride in distilling the Edinburgh Malt, which has captivated whisky enthusiasts around the globe as both a standalone expression and an essential ingredient in the iconic Johnnie Walker whiskies. With a rich legacy steeped in tradition, Glenkinchie continues to uphold its esteemed reputation by producing a malt that embodies the spirit of Edinburgh. This distinguished whisky has become a beloved choice for connoisseurs and serves as a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Whether savoured on its own or integrated into the world-renowned Johnnie Walker blends, the Edinburgh Malt from Glenkinchie continues to delight discerning palates and leave an indelible mark on the whisky landscape. The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today. The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life. Dong Qiu's art seamlessly blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with a modern sensibility, fusing delicate lines and subtle shades reminiscent of classical ink paintings with bold, vibrant colours. This unique combination showcases her deep understanding of Chinese painting techniques while infusing a contemporary twist that sets her work apart. The Glenkinchie 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) is known as "The Floral Treasure," boasting thick whispers of rich smoke, bright herbs and juicy plums that leave an indelible finish. This special release was finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, which impart a unique character to the whisky. Aromatically, the whisky features thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke that pay homage to the ancient art of tattooing, evoking the imagery of clouds slowly dispersing in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, while smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each sip unfolds like a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history spanning more than 200 years, the Malt Master of Glenkinchie explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulsates with herbal flavors both ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amidst fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavors. The experience unfolds with sweet, juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then evolves into a progressively more herbal and smokier profile, leaving a lasting impression as a whisky of legends.

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Clynelish distillery embodies the essence of its name, an anglicized version of the Gaelic for "green pasture." This coastal whisky is a true reflection of its namesake, boasting sweet floral fragrances and verdant flavor notes that transport the senses to lush, picturesque landscapes. With a name that predates the distillery as we know it today, Clynelish has graced whisky bottles for two centuries, carrying with it a rich and storied history. As one of the esteemed Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker, Clynelish takes great pride in distilling the rich Highland malt that is cherished by whisky enthusiasts around the globe. Its significance extends beyond its standalone appeal, as it serves as a vital component of the renowned Johnnie Walker whiskies, contributing to their exceptional character and flavour profile. Clynelish stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition that define the Scotch whisky industry, offering a taste of the Scottish countryside and coastal essence in every sip. As a cornerstone of Johnnie Walker's legacy, Clynelish continues to craft spirits that capture the imagination and appreciation of whisky connoisseurs worldwide, embodying the spirit of the Highlands and the allure of the sea. The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today. The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life. Sanford Greene's distinctive illustration style boldly merges graffiti, hip-hop, jazz and comic book art, yielding vibrant and expressive illustrations that emphasize action scenes and cultural elements. Introducing the Clynelish 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) - a harmonious symphony of flavour that pays homage to the soulful richness of classic American jazz. Dubbed "The Jazz Crescendo," this special release captivates the senses with alluring dulcet tones that culminate in a crescendo of vanilla spice and smooth caramel. Exclusively matured in first-fill bourbon American Oak casks, this expression embodies the rhythmic beat of a sweetly honeyed bass, anchoring a richly composed melody that gradually calls to transcend scales. The honeyed flavors and smooth, waxy textures of Clynelish play the sweetest of melodies, inspired by the mesmerizing solo wildcat adorning the bottle. This inspiration led the Malt Master to craft a whisky that encapsulates the sweet and soulful richness of classic American jazz. Exuding rich caramel and vanilla spice notes, this expression opens with mellow aromas that evolve into a mineral and maritime theme, before embracing a sweeter and rounder profile. The golden melody is anchored by an earthy bass note, leading to a vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo. This crescendo reaches its smooth peak in the long, spicy finish, leaving a lasting impression reminiscent of a captivating hymn to jazz. The Clynelish 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Special Release 2023 invites whisky enthusiasts to savour the sweet and soulful essence of classic American jazz, encapsulated in every golden drop.

Dimple is famous for not only its unique bottle shape, but by its long standing reputation for producing one of the finest blended malts available. Using malts predominantly from Glenkinchie and Linkwood, Dimple 12 Year Old is a beautifully well-rounded Scotch with surprising depth.

Fresh, sweetly fruity and smooth-bodied, Caol Ila 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky delicately balances a range of tastes. The clean, appetising nose shows subtle citrus fruit with just a puff of smoke. Firm and smooth, it begins sweetly then yields a fragrant smokiness and a sweet-smoky, lingering finish.

From the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Chivas Regal has been famous for its extraordinary selection of malt Whiskies. Matured for 12 years the result is a rich and generous Whisky with honey and hazelnut notes and a long creamy finish.

Given the maltings is a big toy really, you can play with it and that is what Ian Miller, distillery manager decided to do when he ordered in a batch of heavy Speyside peat to trial at The Balvenie in 2002.

Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years has rich sweet fruit aromas along with toffee caramel, vanilla and a hint of smoke. Its warming and sweet on the palate with dark fruits, malty cereal, smooth creamy vanilla, fragrant almonds and tangerines, and a gentle smoke developing. A lingering finish brings notes of dark chocolate, caramelised citrus peel and very light smoke.

Located in the far north of Scotland, Glenmorangie distillery uses the tallest stills in Scotland, where only the lightest and purist spirit vapours reach the top, giving Glenmorangie its hallmark floral and fruity character.