It's that time again: Diageo has launched its annual Special Releases Scotch Whisky Collection. Elusive Expressions, eight premium whiskies, carefully selected by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson...
Text: Gerben Bijpost
It is a tradition that just about every whisky lover eagerly awaits every year. After all, Diageo has quite a few fine brands under its belt, so it's always a surprise what's pulled out of the top hat. The good news this year: the collection is - in terms of price - a bit more accessible than at the previous edition. While the most expensive bottle in the collection cost more than two thousand euros last year, this year not a single bottle exceeds three hundred euros. So that makes it accessible to a somewhat wider audience. Good to know, because the best thing is of course to be able to taste all the bottles and not have to skip one for price reasons. And there is quite a lot to experience.
Plenty of choice
With more than 30 distilleries and over 10 million casks currently in Diageo's world-renowned portfolio, Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson had quite a lot to draw from. "Today we unveil and introduce Elusive Expressions, a groundbreaking collection of flavours and finishes that redefine what cask-strength whiskies can be. From abundantly rich, to strikingly rare flavours, each comes alive with new energy. With some of our oldest whisky dynasties, we have embraced the flavour contrasts in the collection to create an unexpected whisky experience."
Besides special flavours, this annual collection naturally also distinguishes itself by its striking appearance. Illustrator Ken Taylor returned for that and he enlisted the help of fellow digital visualisation artist Kevin Tong. Together, they created designs that fuse fantasy, art and whisky in fascinating ways. They also bring the brands further to life through unconventional and compelling storylines in the Elusive Expressions Cocktails and Serves book: in a bold graphic novel style, cocktail making is illustrated through characters and journeys.
Active participation
From solving the mystery of the Ruby Solstice to capturing the Blood Red Moon, the Elusive Expressions Cocktails and Serves book explores the legends behind Mortlach, The Singleton, Lagavulin and Talisker, revealing an undiscovered world of rare flavours and the unique nature of each liquid. Whisky lovers are invited to step into the artwork of this dark and vivid world through the digital experience. The doorways are activated via a QR code and offer a glimpse into an alternate universe. This allows fans to interact with the collection and experience the story of each brand in the most immersive way yet.
In short, Diageo's Elusive Expressions goes beyond a good glass of whisky; it is a journey of discovery for all your senses! Want to complete your collection? Then check out HERE
The complete Elusive Expressions collection
Mortlach | ABV: 57.8% | Region: Speyside Cask: Refill American oak, virgin tawny port and red muscat-seasoned casks RRSP £250 (70cl)
Talisker 11-Year-Old Cask ABV: 55.1% | Region: Island/ Isle of Skye Cask: American oak ex-bourbon first fill, refill and wine-seasoned casks | RRSP £110 (70cl) / £35 (20cl)
Lagavulin 12-Year-Old Cask ABV: 57.3% Region: Islay Cask: Heavily peated American oak refilled and virgin oak casks RRSP £135 (70cl) / £42 (20cl)
The Singleton of Glen Ord 15-Year-Old AE.G.: 54.2% Region: Highland Cask: Refill American & European oak and wine-seasoned casks RRSP £120 (70cl) / £38 (20cl)
Cardhu 16-Year-Old ABV: 58% Region: Speyside Casks: Refill and re-charred American Oak, Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks RRSP £160 (70cl) / £50 (20cl)
Oban 10-Year-Old ABV: 57.1% Region: Coastal Highland Cask: Refill and new American oak and amontillado seasoned casks RRSP £105 (70cl)
Cameronbridge 26-Year-Old ABV: 56.2% Î Region: Lowland Cask: Refill American oak casks RRSP £275 (70cl)
Clynelish 12-Year-Old iced ABV: 58.5% Region: Highland Cask: Refill American oak and PX/Oloroso seasoned casks RRSP £175 (70cl)
English 
Dutch 
German