Forget Christmas, Diageo Distillers Edition season is the most wonderful time of the year. Every spring, the booze behemoth releases unique batches from six of their famed Scotch distilleries, and every year it’s a thing of beauty.
The 2023 Diageo Distillers Edition collection features whiskies from Lagavulin, Talisker, Cragganmore, Oban, Dalwhinnie, and Glenkinchie. Each goes through a double maturation – aged in a 2nd barrel – using specially selected barrels to enhance the flavor without losing touch with the core of the original whisky. You can see the base spirit for each below… now imagine it with additional complexity and nuance beyond what you’ve come to expect.
Distillers Edition offerings won’t supplant the original as your favorite. Those are time-tested perfection. But they are a fun treat for those who love the base models, and their new-for-this-year unique labels further enhance the experience. It’s like adding a special ingredient to your already favorite dinner. You don’t want it all the time, but it’s wonderful for a special occasion.
Talisker Distillers Edition
The enriched Talisker, Amoroso- seasoned casks impart a wonderfully rounded and luscious, fruity sweetness, complementing the familiar crisp, dry peat-smoke and pepperiness.
Core Offering: Talisker 10 Year Old
ABV: 45.8%
SRP: $85.00
Cragganmore Distillers Edition
The juicy Cragganmore, port-seasoned casks build sweet wine and fruity complexity, balanced with oaky vanilla spices and a hint of cocoa.
Core Offering: Cragganmore 12 Year Old
ABV: 40%
SRP: $85.00
Lagavulin Distillers Edition
The mighty Lagavulin, in which the rich sweetness from Pedro Ximenez-seasoned casks is beautifully integrated with the crescendo of dark smokiness, salt and oak-spice.
Core Offering: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
ABV: 43%
SRP: $125.00
Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition
The exotic Dalwhinnie, in which satisfying hints of tropical fruits and peppery spices, blend seamlessly with warm nuts and honey using Oloroso-seasoned casks.
Core Offering: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old
ABV: 43%
SRP: $90.00
Oban Distillers Edition
The smooth Oban, delicately paired with Montilla Fino-seasoned casks for a sweet creamy-smooth enhancement to the fruity and salty Oban style.
Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old
ABV: 43%
SRP: $95.00
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
The sophisticated Glenkinchie is finished in Amontillado-seasoned casks. Striking a balance between light grape sweetness and warming wood-spice with hints of rich dried fruits.
Core Offering: Glenkinchie 12 Year Old
ABV: 43%
SRP: $85.00
Credit for all photos: Elliot Clark of Apartment Bartender
