Diageo ‘Reimagines the Essence’ of Scotch Whisky Icons Through Unorthodox 2024 Spirited Xchange Collection
Diageo unveiled its Spirited Xchange Collection for 2024. (Photo: Diageo)
On Monday, Diageo unveiled its 2024 September Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, or “Spirited Xchange 2.0” collection. This year, Diageo says it wanted to focus on “unexpected flavor profiles,” “curiosity” and “creativity.”
“This collection is about curiosity and what happens when you challenge yourself to think, ‘what if,'” Diageo Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison said in a news release. “This has led us to explore a variety of exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for The Singleton to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavor to its unmistakably umami identity. We are excited for whisky lovers to experience it.”
The collection features rare whiskies from Diageo’s portfolio, including Lagavulin, Oban, Mortlach, Talisker, The Singleton, Benrinnes, Roseisle and Caol Ila. The collection will be available on a limited basis from specialty retailers and on malts.com
An Inside Look at Diageo’s Spirited Xchange 2.0 Collection
Lagavulin ‘Fireside Tales’
Lagavulin’s offering was matured in a mixture of first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks. The intention was to unveil sweetness this notably smoky scotch whisky can take on. The brand shared that the release shows a fruitier side to Lagavulin and that the smoke was “tenderly tamed to a whisper.”
Oban ‘Coastal Orchard’
Oban’s Coastal Orchard is what Diageo describes as a “vibrant expression” that was finished in new charred American Oak barrels that were seasoned with Oloroso sherry. The whisky was blended with refill casks, and Diageo cites aromas of sweet-spiced apple, vanilla and sea salt.
Mortlach ‘Midnight Dusk’
This scotch whisky was created with aperitivo hour in mind, according to Diageo. Mortlach’s scotch whisky was finished in Ramandolo white and Sangiovese red wine casks, and the brand claims it possesses a layered palate with “umami” and fruity qualities.
Talisker ‘Tidal Churn’
Talisker, a scotch producer known for its maritime influence, decided to lean into its oceanic qualities. The brand implemented a “stone-spun method,” according to Diageo. The process involved stone rotating against the wood of the barrels, wearing the char away. The casks were gently re-toasted and used to finish this whisky. Diageo cites pear and apple in addition to the brand’s signature brine.
The Singleton ‘Autumn Walk’
The Singleton aimed to capture the essence of an autumn stroll in the Pyrenees for this whisky. The Singleton implemented a mixture of ex-bourbon, “rejuvenated ex-wine” and refill casks to age the whisky before it was finished in a cask composed of European oak with Pyrenean oak ends.
Benrinnes ‘Grand Crescendo’
Diageo shares that this whisky boasts the oldest age statement within the entire Spirited Xchange collection, and it is 21 years of age. The whisky was matured in a mixture of American Oak wine, European Oak casks and reused casks with char on the ends.
Roseisle ‘Origami Kite 2’
According to Diageo, Origami Kite 2 is the second expression ever released from Roseisle, adding to its rarity. The whisky matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and refill casks. Diageo cites a creamy and velvety smooth texture from this scotch whisky.
Caol Ila ‘Ambrosial Feast’
Caol Ila’s scotch whisky is unusual in the sense that it is unpeated. Diageo explained the whisky features nutty qualities, with orchard fruit like green apple. The whisky from the Islay distillery was matured in refill and rejuvenated ex-wine casks, and was meant to offer a lighter take on the notoriously peated whisky.
In October 2023, Diageo unveiled its Spirited Xchange Collection, and the focus for the 2023 collection was all about scotch’s journey around the world. The collection featured a Lagavulin finished in Don Julio Añejo barrels and Mortlach finished in ex-Kanosuke Japanese whisky and ex-Pinot Noir casks.
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