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.

2014 marks another benchmark with "Torfa" - the first peated whisky from this revived distillery, fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels and peated to 20ppm. It takes its name from the Old Norse language with which the Scots dialect spoken in North East Scotland has an affinity and translates to “turf” or “peat”. Non-chill filtered. Natural colour. Retasted April 2018... Bright gold. White pepper and sweet earthy phenols combine with beeswax and biscuity malt; more cocoa / dark chocolate-like after extended time in the glass. A full bodied, succulent delivery with toasted barley, hints of fruit and a superb slathering of sweet peat. Melts in your mouth with near zero heat, the buzzing spices ricocheting through the finish. Uncomplicated but very pure. Beautiful malt. 50% Alc./Vol. First tasted April 2014... Pale straw gold. Opening sniff detects hints of vanilla wafer biscuit, dried grass and white pepper; more cocoa like after exposure as mild peat infuses dark chocolate, accentuating with time in the glass. Quite sweet but remains in check with the mid palate featuring juicy vanilla malt and the finish highlighting the peat as wet-wool / lanolin. Controlled spices add length and continue into an attractive choc-peat fade. Smokey, but in an accessible Caol Ila kind of way. Nicely done. 93 points

Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices.

Product Information: This comes from a selection of Mortlach's very best single malt scotch whisky. Matured for minimum of 20 years to tame the spirit otherwise known as the “The Beast of Dufftown” into smooth submission and mellow complexity. Aged only in ex-American oak refill sherry casks - this dram is robust and rich. The nose is dense, elegant and intriguing. The palate stains with dried fruit, cedarwood, leather, and tobacco. Outstanding stuff, a whisky that would have made the great Alexander Cowie proud. Maker: Mortlach has been described by whisky connoisseurs as “The Beast of Dufftown” for its rich and powerful flavours, produced in an astonishingly complicated and unique distillation process which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 Distilled’. In the wake of the Excise Act, Mortlach was officially founded in 1823 on the site of an older illicit distillery – becoming the first legal distillery in Dufftown, now one of the epicentres of Speyside whisky distilling. In 1853, engineer George Cowie joined the team under owner John Gordon. With his pioneering mind, audacious spirit and determination, George quickly became a leader within the new distillery workforce. His son Alexander later continued this legacy, creating the very unique, very intricate 2.81 distillation process that is still in place at the distillery today. Used solely at Mortlach distillery, this process - combined with traditional worm tub condensers - creates the thick, rich, bold spirit character that the brand is famed for. Today, Mortlach’s permanent collection includes three unique expressions: a 12 Year Old (“The Wee Witchie”), a 16 Year Old (“Distiller’s Dram”) and a 20 Year Old (“Cowie’s Blue Seal”). Distillery: The 2.81 distillation process, known as "The Way," remains a closely guarded legacy of Alexander Cowie, with each of the six stills bearing a unique shape and configuration of copper pipes, meticulously designed for the precise cutting and re-cutting of the spirit. Three wash stills and three spirit stills, all resplendent in gleaming copper, stand as individual masterpieces, each contributing to the creation of Mortlach's singular and revered spirit. As Mortlach continues to honour its heritage while forging new paths, it remains a beacon of tradition, innovation and uncompromising quality, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Cowie dynasty and a cherished cornerstone of the whisky world. Nose - Cedar Oak, Leather Oil, Dried Fruit There are dried fruits, a touch of scented wood, fir trees, cedar, Moroccan leather, old books. It develops in the glass, moving towards chanterelle mushroom even some of the wax crayon. Huge, highly complex and contemplative. Palate - Ripe Quince, Berry Bursts, Cacao Nibs Cured leather and light bitter notes that bring to mid nutshell, espresso crema, damson jam, cacao nibs all balanced with some hedgerow berry fruits. Finish - Liquorice, Dried Fruit, Wood Spice Quite dense. It carries on seamlessly from the progression seen on the palate with liquorice and dried fruit.

At the time of writing, this is the oldest whisky ever released from Talisker. It's also the final instalment in the Xpedition Oak series. Once again, the distillery has partnered with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental organisation, Twelve heavily charred American oak casks were shipped from the Isle of Skye to Canada's Arctic ice fields. A cooper removed the cask ends and they were then left in sub-zero temperatures for four days, causing the wood to fracture and therefore increasing the surface area with which the whisky could interact during its finishing period in the casks back in Scotland. Talisker's notes say to look out for "maritime and spice notes on the nose, followed by an oily mouthfeel with chili, salted caramel, and toffee on the palate, and a long finish laced with briny salt and black pepper." 2455 bottles are available globally. 49.8% Alc./Vol.

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.

Glenglassaugh has been described as a 'coastal' distillery, being located on the north coast of Speyside near Glen Deveron and Banff. Founded in 1875, between 1960 and 1986 it produced malt whiskies for the blending market, in particular the Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse blends. However, it suffered from the recession riddled decline that plagued the Scotch whisky industry in the early 1980's and was mothballed in 1986. It restarted production in November 2008 after being acquired by independent investors, the Edrington Group, following a complete refurbishment by the new owners. The malt has always been popular with blenders so few official distillery bottlings have ever made it to market. Until recently, that is. In 2009 the new company released some of the old stocks with outstanding success. At the 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards the 30 Year Old expression was awarded a Gold Medal (Best in Class) and the trophy for Best Cask Strength Scotch Whisky and the 40 Year Old was awarded Gold Medal (Best in Class) and the trophy for Best 40 Year Old Scotch Whisky. The 40 year old was also awarded Best 40 Year Old Scotch Whisky and 96 points in Jim Murray's 2010 Whisky Bible. In 2009 the company also introduced two new innovative products which are produced using the same process as that used for making single malt scotch whisky but without the ageing process. "The Spirit Drink that dare not speak its name" is the result of 1 mash of malted barley, fermented and distilled twice. The product is bottled without ageing at 50% abv. "The Spirit Drink that blushes to speak its name" is also produced in the same way but is allowed to age for 6 months in casks that have previously held red wine. The result is a spirit with a rich rose hue and a flavour of soft fruits and spices and is ideal as a cocktail base or for making long drinks. Glenglassaugh 'Revival' is the first widely-available single malt from the 'new' distillery and was matured in both first and refill casks and finished in first-fill oloroso sherry butts for a period of six months. Non chill filtered. Retasted April 2018... Bright gold. A teasing bouquet that rewards patience; gradually developing with sponge cake, vanilla, cream biscuits and fresh oak…deliciously crisp delivery, evoking caramelised fruits and cream tea biscuits, balanced by suggestions of lemon tart and straw at the finish. Beautiful purity and poise. Massively improved over its first incarnation. 46% Alc./Vol. First tasted January 2013: [from a 10 ml sample]. Pale gold. Scents of flat ginger beer and vague cereals present in the initial pass, gaining sweetness and definition with subsequent sniffs. Opens light and lively in the mouth though a tad sulphury followed by bittersweet spices at mid palate. Warming spirit. Thins out, tailing off to a delicate and rather fleeting conclusion. 86 points

Johnnie Walker is a globally renowned brand of Scotch whisky that has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and luxury. With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, Johnnie Walker has established itself as a true icon in the world of whisky. Founded by John Walker in Kilmarnock, Scotland, the brand initially gained popularity for its blended whiskies, which offered a consistent and smooth drinking experience. Over the years, Johnnie Walker has built a reputation for excellence by sourcing the finest malt and grain whiskies from various regions of Scotland. One of the key factors that sets Johnnie Walker apart is its commitment to the art of blending. The master blenders at Johnnie Walker meticulously select and combine different whiskies to create a harmonious blend that embodies the brand's signature style. Each expression in the Johnnie Walker range, from the iconic Johnnie Walker Red Label to the prestigious Johnnie Walker Blue Label, represents a careful balance of flavors and aromas. The Johnnie Walker portfolio boasts a diverse range of whiskies, each with its own distinct character and flavour profile. Whether you prefer the smoky notes of Islay whiskies or the fruity and floral aromas of the Highlands, there is a Johnnie Walker expression to suit every palate. In addition to its exceptional quality, Johnnie Walker is also celebrated for its iconic branding. The striding man logo, representing progress and forward momentum, has become a symbol of the brand's enduring legacy. The brand's distinctive square-shaped bottles and color-coded labels further contribute to its recognizability and prestige. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic cocktail, Johnnie Walker whiskies offer a sensory journey that captures the essence of Scotland's whisky heritage. With its rich flavors, impeccable craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality Johnnie Walker continues to be a beloved choice for whisky enthusiasts around the world. Johnnie Walker King George V has been created to celebrate the monarch who granted the brand its first Royal Warrant in 1934. The makers of Johnnie Walker drew upon the brand's archives to meticulously hand-select whiskies from distilleries that were in operation during King George V's reign. This exquisite whisky embodies opulence and regality, as it is crafted from precious casks that have been carefully aged to perfection. It is an opulent and regal blend. Sensuous, layered and intense, the John Walker & Sons King George V is a kaleidoscope of flavours and aromas. Hints of roasted nuts, dark chocolate and an imposing sweet smokiness combine elegantly with suggestions of honey, citrus orange and rose petals. This is an extremely complex luxury whisky. It comes to you in a regal flint glass decanter that echoes the iconic slanted Johnnie Walker label, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with a unique serial number. The John Walker & Sons King George V is the ultimate way to savour a supreme moment of success on your journey.

The GlenAllachie Distillery was designed in 1967 by William-Delme Evans and built by Mackinlay McPherson. This was the fourth distillery designed by Evans and was created to be almost full gravity fed to run on reduced energy. The first production run for the distillery was in February 1968 and began with just two stills, further increasing to four after just six months. GlenAllachies very first bottling of The GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength happened by chance. In 2017, whilst reviewing parcels of stock from 2007 and 2008, their Master Distiller Billy Walker was so delighted by the balance and depth of the samples that he immediately decided to add a younger expression to our core range. Their fourth batch was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2021, so the bar has been set high as they introduce their sixth release. The GlenAllachie Cask Strength Batch 7 is a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons along with a small quantity of Virgin Oak and Rioja casks. The resulting whisky bursts with indulgent notes of of ripe plums, dark chocolate and sticky raisins, all coupled with classic GlenAllachie honeyed charm. Batch 7 is bottled at 56.8%, non chill filtered and natural colour.

One of the most respected and admired whisky distillers in the world, Macallan remains one of the kings in the single malt world. The Macallan Fine Oak 12 Year Old builds on this storied reputation. Triple cask matured in an unique, complex combination of exceptional oak casks; European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon. This triple cask combination delivers an extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex single malt, matured at the Macallan distillery for a minimum of twelve years. A gorgeous rich straw colour with a complex nose, with hints of fruit and vanilla, the Macallan Fine Oak 12 Year Old is sure to please any whisky lover. On the palate, one can taste fruit, oak and spice with a medium mouth feel. The finish lingers, with dried fruit, oak and spice to round out the experience. The Macallan Six Pillars