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.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Double Oak 700mL has been called a lot of things in its time: smooth, fruity, complex, sophisticated, entertaining, classic. Representing The Glenlivet’s signature style, this classic malt is first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks which impart notes of vanilla and gives the whisky it’s distinctive smoothness. The mineral-rich water that comes from Josie’s Well helps form the flavours during mashing and fermentation, whilst the specific height and width of the copper stills add a delicate yet complex character. The colour is a bright, vibrant gold. The nose is summery and fruity. The palate is well-balanced with an overall fruity overtone and strong pineapple notes. The finish is long, creamy, and smooth.

At the Bruichladdich distillery, the foundation for their Classic Laddie has not set in stone recipe but is instead a distilling philosophy. They have no interest in uniformity or consistency year to year, but the provenance and variety of their barely shapes the spirits combined with their ever-increasing ranges of casks sourced to evolve the flavours. Therefore each batch will be slightly different and unique. This whisky has the colour of sunlight on fields of early summer barley. Aromas of barley sugar with hints of mint come across the nose, leading to freshly cut flowers. With a little addition of water caramelised fruits come through with honey and lemon drops. A refreshing and refined palate with sweet oak and barley blending together. A beautiful combination of brown sugar, ripe green fruit, and sweet malt. Bottling Information Batch - 20/257 Bottling Year - 2020

The Macallan Classic Cut is a series of annual expressions celebrating The Macallan’s ongoing commitment to seek out the extraordinary and in doing so create whiskies of unique character. The 2022 Edition celebrates our commitment to seek out the extraordinary, revealing a unique character and flavour. Matured in a unique combination of casks with two distinctive wood types, this special single malt exudes flavours of both European and American oak, married together to create a unique tasting experience. With a distinct grapefruit flavour, this whisky emphasises a wide range and complexity of flavours. The two wood types complement and balance together beautifully and offer an experiential journey through flavour, aroma, colour and texture.

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.

The Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Ancient Reserve is a truly superb single malt aged in Oloroso (Sherry) and Bourbon casks. Then up to 150 of the most exceptional casks are hand-selected by the innovative Malt Master, Brian Kinsman. These casks are then married in small batches in oak tuns for up to three months, to give a remarkably deep, rich and complex flavour.

The ceremonial firing of guns in salute is a legendary custom which can be traced back to early seafaring days. Friendly ships passing each other rendered this salute as a gesture of good will. Later it became customary to extend a 21 gun salute to a reigning sovereign upon their arrival. Today this salute marks the welcome of a foreign Head of State to a friendly host nation. The inspiration for Royal Salute, like the ceremony commemorates, seeks to reflect tradition. Aged and bottled in Scotland by Chivas Brothers for 21 years, Royal Salute is unmatched by any other blend for its sheer mellowness. A highly exclusive spirit created for the connoisseur. This is a complex and rich Scotch Whisky with hints of chocolate, lemon, coconut, and tea. The whisky is aged in oak casks for 21 years before bottling. It is then bottled in porcelain flagons, produced by Wade porcelain. The bottle design incorporates the image of Robert the Bruce and includes a Gaelic motto which translates as fidelity, stability since 1801. Note - The style of box may vary between the two pictured.

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. Ardbeg Ten Years Old is globally renowned as the ultimate expression of peat, smoke, and complexity in a single malt whisky. However, it doesn't overpower with peat; instead, it harmoniously combines with the inherent sweetness of the malt, resulting in a perfectly balanced whisky. This exceptional offering was honoured with the title of World Whisky of the Year in 2008.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte PC8 Ar Dùthchas Cask Strength Single Malt Islay Whisky has the colour of Chartreuse sunshine. An updraft of sea spray and peat smoke greets you with spicy pepper and lemon aromas all exploding simultaneously. Spindrift on canvas sails with a tailwind of heather and myrtle. Then the sweetness of oak and malted barley burst through bringing calm for a while before you are swept onto the next wave. Viscous, rich and oily. Peat fire flavours and the mellow rich taste of sweet, oaky Demerara sugar toddy. Waves of Islay wash over the palate. An original Islay darm, unlike any other. Dreams come true and desires fulfilled! This prodigy of Islay’s west coast clearly shows that coastal maturation is THE key element as waves of marine notes add the vital spark to the oak sweetness of the spirit.

The Macallan Rare Cask 2022 release is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks, unearthed by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team using their knowledge, skill, passion, and creativity in their quest to seek out the extraordinary. This single malt whisky reveals the remarkable art and science of the Whisky Maker in selecting unique oak casks that exhibit a distinctive and complex flavour profile. They were curated for maturation by The Macallan Master of Wood and delivered to the exacting specifications of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team to create Rare Cask. This luxurious expression highlights the magic and science in The Macallan’s intricate whisky making process, as the whisky maker identifies the exceptional oak casks which impart the intense and highly complex flavour profile. Soft aromas of vanilla with rich raisin lead the journey of discovery into this single malt whisky, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange. Intense sweet raisin flavours dominate the palate, before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest. The finish is long, rich and velvety to offer a decadent whisky experience that will leave a lasting impression.