Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release Whiskies – Quill & Pad

There is little point in reciting the history and details of each of the distilleries involved in this latest Release not least because it would make this piece the size of a book. May I suggest Dave Brooms superb A Sense of Place, aptly described as a journey around Scotlands whisky. A must-have book for whisky lovers.

The whiskies for 2022, in no particular order. I have given scores as an indication of my thoughts of the whiskies, but I would happily drink any of these. A superb collection and preferences at this level will come down to your personal likes and dislikes. I adore those peaty, smoky notes from a great Islay, for example, but I have friends who cannot bear them. Australian prices for those buying individual bottles

Oban 10yo, 57.1%. $180. From the Highlands, this was matured first in refill and new American oak, before being finished in Amontillado-seasoned casks.

Oban 10 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

A pale straw color, notes of flint, peaches, matchsticks and campfires. A hint of nougat. There is excellent length and power here. That old saying about whisky being fire and ice well, this one brings the fire. The most fearsome of the Collection. If the rip-roaring style is your thing, youll adore this. The team describes it as a great dram for the hip flask when out on the hills, or by the campfire at night. Could not agree more. 93.

Clynelish 12yo, 58.5%. $350. Another Highlands whisky, it was matured in refill American oak, then finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks.

Clynelish 12 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

Yellow gold hue. There are gentle florals here and hints of hand-rolled cigars. A touch of white pepper. Fragrant with those floral notes and spices. A hint of vanilla. This is immaculately balanced and with a lovely lingering finish. A malt note is ever-present and there is an underlying sweetness. A warm and comforting style. Mid-winter, a glass of this next to a roaring fire would be magic. 94.

Talisker 11yo, 55.1%. $199. Again, from the Highlands, this was matured in and blended from a mix of first-fill ex-bourbon casks, refill casks and what are described as wine-seasoned casks.

Talisker 11 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

A famous distillery, while this whisky might not be made in the usual standards mode, it is impossible to escape that peat and iodine note. A pale bronze color, love the nose. As well as gentle peat and smoke notes, we have orange rinds, cinnamon, nutmeg and mandarin. There is leather and a lovely saline touch as well. Even some gentle tropical touches start to intrude on the palate, which is supple, perhaps surprisingly powerful, and very long. 93.

Glen Ord 15yo, 54.2%. $205. Another Highlands whisky, which is actually labeled as The Singleton, this was matured in refill American and European oak, then finished in old wine casks.

The Singleton Glen Ord 15 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

Deep bronze, there is a mellowness to this which makes it immediately appealing. Stonefruit, peaches, biscuity notes, a palate that is supple and seductive with notes of oranges, white chocolate and mandarins. A soft sweetness which is finely balanced. Impressive length and a structure that gives the whisky some formality. Good complexity throughout. The longer this is in the glass, the more that emerges. 94.

Lagavulin 12yo, 57.3%. $230. From Islay, a famous name if ever there was one. This whisky is matured in and then blended from a mix of refill and virgin oak casks. Both are American oak.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

Pale gold. There is a warmth here, that edges out from under the classic notes of smoke and peat. Citrus, stonefruit, woodsmoke, ginger, iodine and lemongrass, though they play a secondary role to that gorgeous peat. A dense texture with richness and power. Hints of white chocolate emerged on the palate. A fine example for the uninitiated to decide whether they like that traditional Islay smoke/peat or not. I most certainly do. 93.

Cardhu 16yo, 58%. $299. From Speyside, this whisky is matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak before being finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks.

Cardhu 16 Year Old Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release 2022 whisky

A pale yellow with a tinge of green. The nose exhibits spicy notes with saline and oystershell characters. Herbs, ginger, lemon grass, orange rinds and a minerally backing. A character not unlike a vanilla lemon slice. Notes of campfires and matchsticks. This is of moderate length with the flavors very much upfront. For me, thoroughly enjoyable, but it would have been a smidge more impressive with extra length and focus. 90.

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Diageo Elusive Expressions Special Release Whiskies - Quill & Pad