2006 Special Releases

 

Diageo has launched its 6th annual selection of Special Releases with a distinctive change in tact. Rather than bottling some rare gems from long closed and difficult to source distilleries such as Brechin, Convalmore and Glenury Royal as last year, all the releases for 2006 are from the proven big hitters such as Lagavulin and Talisker, although Brora and Port Ellen have been included once again.

 

That said there are still some real treats in this year’s selection including three 30 year olds. Two of these are from Talisker and Lagavulin making them the oldest ever official bottlings from these distilleries and boy have the aged well. Full, well rounded and smooth with not even a hint of excessive wood contact.

 

Clearly, there is a huge demand from loyal fans to taste different and older expressions of their favourite malts and they will not be disappointed with the 2006 range of Special Releases. They may be disappointed with the significantly smaller numbers within each batch however. Seven of the nine expressions are more heavily peated malts which again should satisfy the demand for this style of whisky. Who says the big boys (Diageo) don’t listen and cater to the small consumer? 

 

There is a young 8 year old from Caol Ila, the up and coming Islay malt with a typically mediated house style. However this 8 year old is from an un-peated batch which is produced each year, a tradition that dates back to a time when there was insufficient dry peat due to a particularly rainy cutting season. The 8 year old 59.8% has a fragrant and fruity aroma with a slight fishy aspect. The palette is grassy, flowery and lightly perfumed and peppery. While Caol Ila matures well, this hard hitting 8 year old still shows its youth. Limited Edition, 12,990 bottles. UK RS Price £32.

 

In contrast to previous Special Releases of Cragganmore, this years 17 year old has been matured in American Oak Hogsheads. At 55.5% abv it carries the typical robust and complex peppery nose with vanilla, spice and marzipan. The spices are carried through to the palate and are joined by a fruity sweetness. A long and well balanced great expression. Limited Edition 5,970 bottles. UK RS Price £55.

 

The youngest Special Release of Dalwhinnie, the 56.8% abv, 20 year old is from 2nd refill European Oak Sherry Casks. A deep rich and sweet fragrance introduces this Dalwhinnie, creating mental images of the landscape around the distillery. The palate is light and delicate as expected but beautifully rounded and firm. Reminds me why Dalwhinnie was the first whisky I really enjoyed. Limited Edition,4,200 bottles. UK RS Price £90.

 

There has been a Lagavulin 12 year old in the last five Special Releases, all from the original distiller's stocks. Vatted from refill American Oak this latest release has an abv of 57.5%. The nose is intense, pungent and sweet displaying the typical Lagavulin smokiness. With massive impact the palate is salty and sweet, robust and demanding. With so much to stimulate the senses in this bottle there can be few better value malts. UK RS Price £40.

 

The oldest Lagavulin to be released in the Special Release programme, the 30 year old has been maturing in refill American Oak casks since 1976. The years have mellowed this giant, taming the intensity of its younger sibling, leaving a fruitier, woody nose. As befitting its age and at .6% abv, this expression has great balance, displaying all the usual sweet smoky characteristics of Lagavulin while revealing some newer tropical fruit and lighter spice attributes. A "sophisticated" Lagavulin, this will sell out fast with a limited edition of just 2,340 bottles. UK RS Price  £210. 

 

The 4th Talisker 25 year old to be offered in the Special Release programme, this latest 56.9% abv release rides on the back of the massive attention this distillery is currently receiving from both consumers and its owner, Diageo. Talisker offers a balance between the hard hitting Islay and the well rounded highland style, resulting in a best of both worlds scenario. With a strong, rich nose carrying a floral and fruity character, the salty smokiness slowly but surely appears. The palate is more immediate, full, instant and satisfying. The unmistakable smokiness is followed by a spicy sweetness. Limited Edition,4,860 bottles. UK RS Price £105. 

 

 

This is the 8th Special Release of Talisker, and at 30 year old with an abv of just 51.9% this is the oldest, produced from European Oak and American Oak refill casks. This aged expression has not forgotten its roots and carries its trademark maritime tarred rope fragrance well. However there is also more sweeter fragrances such as toffee and vanilla breaking through. The two elements battle it out on the palate with the salty briny spices winning through at the end. Just how you would expect a mature member of the family to act. Limited Edition, 3,000bottles. UK RS Price £160. 

 

The 5th consecutive Brora 30 year old, but with only just over 2,000 bottles available. If your collecting these then you had better be quick! From American Oak and European Oak refill casks the 30 year old is from a vatting of Brora whisky aged 30 years or more. (As opposed to whiskies from one specific year). In line with the previous releases,   this expression has a sweet, waxy and slightly marine nose. The smokiness is more noticeable on the palate although it does not dominate. Spicy and sweet, it is as always, extremely drinkable. Limited Edition, 2,130 bottles. UK RS Price £175. 

 

With its distinctive well balance maritime attributes this 27 year old Port Ellen maintains considerable vigour for its age. This is the oldest ever Special Release of Port Ellen and considering the distillery closed five years after this whisky was distilled, there can be very little of it left. Fishy, oily kippers hit the nose first followed by rich fruit and cereal while the palate reminds you that this was once a monster when first distilled. There must have been a big battle going on in the casks during its 27 years with the wood fighting all the while to subdue it. Limited Edition, 5.610 bottles. UK RS Price £125.