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.

A much-loved single malt, Cardhu is an easy-going, charming Speysider. This has been aged for longer than the regular 12 year old expression, and the extra three years combine the distillery's characteristic orchard fruit, barley sugar malt and cake spices with richer tropical fruit and vanilla notes.

Cardhu Special Release 2022 The Hidden Paradise of Black Rock 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 58% ABV, Speyside Another stellar selection from Diageos 2022 Special Release, this Cardhu 16 Year Old has been finished in Jamaican rum casks for an innovative expression from this classic distillery. Light on its feet, lush and sweet while also lively and fresh, with a surprisingly spicy, peppery finish, making this an especially exotic apéritif malt.