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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. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.

This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. The distillery resides in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. Rather fittingly, it boasts a fresh and foresty flavour profile. On the nose you’ll find toasted barley, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness. Much more fruit on the palate, but it's by no means a sweet whisky. Still rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke along the way. Nice expression here.

The Shinobu 15 year old Mizunara Cask Whisky is hand crafted by master distiller, Mr Usami. First matured in ex-Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks, it is then finished in Japanese Mizunara oak. Mizunara is an expensive oak which is hard to craft into barrels, but it imparts incredible flavours on the spirit of Shinobu. This pure malt has been maturing for no less than 15 years which has allowed the spirit to take on some very inspiring characteristics. The result is a unique fusion of flavours and dynamic explosion on the palate yet so smooth and easy to drink. Deep rich in colour and complex in flavour, mellow oak wood aromas lead to flavours of honey and molasses, hints of blueberry and deep tones of the Mizunara oak. The palate has subtle ripe fruit, lemon zest, leather and cinnamon with a hint of sweet malt and aromas of fruity oak barrels.

Ardbeg is a renowned and revered name in the world of Scotch whisky. Situated on the remote Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, Ardbeg Distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whiskies since 1815. Known for its distinctive peaty and smoky flavour profile, Ardbeg whiskies have gained a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide. The distillery's location plays a significant role in shaping the character of Ardbeg whiskies. The island's unique terroir, with its peat-rich soil and briny coastal influence, imparts a distinct maritime essence to the whiskies. This, combined with the traditional peat-smoking process, results in an unmistakable smoky aroma and flavour that is synonymous with Ardbeg. Ardbeg offers a diverse range of expressions, each showcasing its own unique characteristics. From the flagship Ardbeg 10 Year Old, with its bold and robust flavors of peat smoke, iodine and citrus, to limited editions and special releases, Ardbeg continuously pushes the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship. The distillery's commitment to traditional production methods and attention to detail is evident in every bottle of Ardbeg. The use of traditional copper pot stills, the carefully selected malted barley and the maturation process in oak casks all contribute to the complexity and depth of flavour found in Ardbeg whiskies. Ardbeg has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its position as one of the world's leading whisky brands. To celebrate Ardbeg Day 2021, the distillery bottled this limited edition Ardbeg Scorch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The packaging and flavour profile is a nod to Islay’s definitely-real-and-totally-not-made-up flavour breathing dragon! Matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks, fiercely charred, and jam packed with smoke, this limited release is not one to be missed. This whisky is a bright, brushed gold colour in the class. Aromas of smoke and soot lie in wait with hints of aniseed and patchouli. Add a drop of water to reveal herbal notes of sage, briarwood, and pine wisp. A charred oak palate with black liquorice weaving between notes of medicinal lozenge. A long finish dragging on into its happily ever after.

In ancient times, the land around I-Lan in Taiwan was called Kavalan, a mysterious land that was solely inhabited by the indigenous people of the Kavalan clan. The name was officially recognized by the Emperor of the Chin dynasty in the year of 1809 when the original city was also built under the same name. Kavalan had always been kept primitive and protected from the outside world by the Syue-shan mountain range which is abundant in high quality natural water that comes from deep within the mountain range. The mists of Kavalan and the spirits of the past have been created for you in this exquisite whisky. The process water is drawn from the springs in the Snow Mountain and Central Mountains imparting a smooth and creamy mouth feel to the whisky. Madeira is a rich fortified wine made on the Portuguese Madeira Islands, where the wine is aged and oxidized through heat. Kavalan’s tropical new make extracts the many rich fruit notes from the wine cask to create an irresistibly sweet yet delicate whisky. This cask of Solist Madeira, cask number D150514027A, was chosen and bottled exclusively for Australia, with only 211 bottles released.

Product Description Crafted with precision and passion, Yuza Distillery’s 2023 Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a refined masterpiece that embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. Aged in bourbon barrels, this exceptional whisky delivers a harmonious blend of clean, fruity notes with a delightful touch of vanilla sweetness. With an alcohol volume of 51%, it strikes the perfect balance between power and elegance, offering a complex yet smooth drinking experience. The whisky’s unique profile, characterised by its vibrant fruity aromas and refined flavour, makes it a true standout from the Yuza Distillery’s collection. Each sip invites you into a world of delightful aromas and sophisticated taste, making it a perfect choice for whisky connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Maker Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 in Yamagata Prefecture, marking Japan’s first whisky distillery in this region. It is the brainchild of Masaharu Sasaki, who sought to create a whisky that combined traditional Japanese whisky-making techniques with the best influences from Scotland. The distillery’s collaboration with Forsyths, the world-renowned Scottish still manufacturer, ensures the use of high-quality, custom-designed distillation equipment, including Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and a Glendronach-inspired spirit still. The small, specialised operation focuses solely on single malt production, utilising the pristine water from Mount Chōkai and mature ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks. While it is still early days for Yuza, the distillery has already earned recognition for its meticulous attention to detail and its commitment to quality over quantity. Every batch produced is a testament to the craft of its team, which is dedicated to creating whiskies that will stand the test of time. Philosophy Yuza Distillery’s philosophy is built around the concept of creating authentic Japanese whisky that stands on its own, offering a unique expression of its environment. By focusing on small-batch production, each whisky reflects the pure water from the snowmelt of Mount Chōkai and the distinctive terroir of the region. Their commitment to traditional distilling techniques—combined with innovation—allows them to produce whisky that offers a sense of place and purity in every drop. The distillery is dedicated to sustainability and craftsmanship, using 100% barley sourced from Crisp Maltings and gradually introducing local barley into their grain mix. Yuza’s commitment to single malt production is paired with a focus on long-term maturation in hand-selected casks, resulting in whiskies that are full of character and depth. Tasting Notes Nose Fragrant and Inviting A captivating bouquet of Fuji apple, Shanghai peach, and pear, with hints of honey and vanilla creating an enticing aroma. Palate Crisp and Smooth A clean and balanced taste, showcasing fruity sweetness with underlying vanilla notes for a refined and elegant mouthfeel. Finish Elegant and Lingering A long, smooth finish, with subtle pear and lingering sweetness, leaving a soft, lasting impression.

Product Description: Whisky shaped by shochu heritage, distilled with rare precision in Kagoshima. The Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still is crafted at Hioki Distillery, the grain whisky site of the Kanosuke family, where malted and unmalted Japanese barley is distilled in stainless steel stills under vacuum pressure, an approach more common to shochu than whisky. The result is a light, silky spirit layered with depth from careful maturation. The whisky rests in a combination of new American white oak, ex-bourbon, and re-charred ex-shochu casks, imparting balance between sweetness, fruit, and wood-driven structure. Bottled at 51% ABV, it reveals a distinctive flavour profile that is both innovative and deeply rooted in place. This expression shows how Kanosuke’s shochu lineage continues to shape a new generation of Japanese whisky. The Maker Kanosuke Distillery, established in 2017, has quickly become one of Japan’s most exciting whisky producers. Situated on the coastline of Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its stunning sunsets, Kanosuke’s location offers a unique maritime influence on the whisky maturation process. The distillery is a part of the Komasa Jyozo company, which has a long history of shochu production, and has since expanded to crafting exceptional single malt whiskies under the leadership of Yoshitsugu Komasa. Kanosuke’s distinctive approach includes the use of three different pot stills, each contributing its own character to the whisky. This innovation, combined with the distillery’s commitment to excellence, allows Kanosuke to create complex, yet approachable single malts that reflect the company’s dedication to craftsmanship. Philosophy At Kanosuke Distillery, the philosophy is rooted in innovation, tradition, and respect for nature. Drawing from the expertise of the Komasa Jyozo company in shochu production, the distillery blends centuries-old techniques with modern craftsmanship to produce whisky that embodies the best of both worlds. Kanosuke believes that whisky making is an art that requires a delicate balance of science and intuition. The distillery’s use of three distinct pot stills, along with its commitment to the finest casks for maturation, results in a whisky that offers complexity, subtlety, and harmony. The coastal climate of Kagoshima, combined with the team’s rigorous attention to detail, creates a whisky that reflects the environment while upholding the highest standards of Japanese whisky making. Tasting Notes NOSE – Custard and orchard fruit Aromas of crème brûlée, fresh oak, apricot, and ripe plum. PALATE – Creamy and complex Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, cocoa, and a subtle bitterness of matcha tea. FINISH – Oily and enduring Full-bodied with dark chocolate lingering on the palate. Finer Details: Style - Japanese Whisky Varietal - Malted & Unmalted Barley Country - Japan Region - Kagoshima Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 50% Closure - Cork