The 2023 release showcases eight remarkable single malt whiskies, each hand-picked by master blender Dr. Stuart Morrison. The whiskies in this collection celebrate the idea of cultural exchange and diversity, taking the drinker on a journey across the world through the lens of Scotch whisky. These are no ordinary drams but distillery-first expressions, each one offering something new, bold, and unforgettable.
Morrison explained, “Spirited Xchange is about identifying and celebrating the ideas, flavours, and tastes that inspire our curiosity to create.” His creativity and adventurous spirit are evident in the innovative cask finishes that underpin each whisky in this collection. These include influences from French wine, Caribbean rum, and even Japanese whisky, showcasing a daring approach to whisky-making. As Morrison puts it, this collection allows the team to “roam freely through our vast portfolio and experiment with old and new cask types.”
Beyond the whisky itself, Diageo has added an artistic flair to this year’s release by collaborating with eight talented illustrators from around the world. Each artist brings a unique cultural perspective, designing labels that reflect the whisky inside the bottle. These labels are much more than decorative – they are visual tasting notes that draw on the rich flavours of each whisky. For instance, the artwork on The Singleton bottle, influenced by its finish in French oak casks previously used for Chardonnay de Bourgogne, depicts a luxurious silk gown—a visual representation of the whisky’s texture and complexity.
Each bottle in the Diageo Spirited Xchange collection is presented at cask strength, offering whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to experience these expressions in their purest form. Diageo Malaysia’s marketing director, Madhan Ramasubramanian, emphasises that this collection is more than a drink – it’s a “journey across cultures and traditions,” where each whisky tells a story of rare craftsmanship and global inspiration.
Collectors and whisky connoisseurs alike will be thrilled to know that the collection includes gems like the Glenkinchie 27-Year-Old, one of the rarest expressions to come from this Lowland distillery. Meanwhile, the Roseisle 12-Year-Old, making its debut in the collection, showcases a smooth malt that straddles the line between the grassy and fruity character of Speyside and the nutty, spicy notes of the Highlands.
From coastal Highlands to the Lowlands, Speyside, and Islay, the Special Releases cover the breadth of Scotland’s whisky-producing regions. Notable whiskies include the vibrant Lagavulin 12-Year-Old, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, and the Talisker, with a robust flavour enriched by finishes in white, tawny, and ruby port casks.
Highlights of the 2023 Special Releases:
Clynelish 10-Year-Old (57.5% ABV): A subtle, richly composed whisky matured in first-fill ex-bourbon American oak, offering notes of caramel sweetness and vanilla spice, with a pleasant summer moorland character.
Glenkinchie 27-Year-Old (58.3% ABV): Matured in American and European oak, this is one of Glenkinchie’s oldest releases, with rich spiciness and a grassy core that speaks to its Lowland roots.
Lagavulin 12-Year-Old (56.4% ABV): Finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, this Islay gem bursts with herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.
Mortlach (58% ABV): This No Age Declaration whisky is finished in ex-Japanese whisky and French pinot noir casks, delivering a deeply fruity, richly rewarding dram.
Oban 11-Year-Old (58% ABV): Finished in Caribbean pot still rum casks, this lively Highland whisky marries rum’s vivid sweetness with Oban’s characteristic coastal notes.
Roseisle 12-Year-Old (56.5% ABV): A smooth malt that is both fruity and spicy, bridging the gap between Speyside and the Highlands.
The Singleton of Glendullan 14-Year-Old (55% ABV): Finished in Chardonnay French Oak casks, this expression boasts a summery brilliance that is easy to enjoy.
Talisker (59.7% ABV): Finished in various port casks, this is a full-bodied Talisker with rich, robust flavours and fruity notes.
With only a limited number of bottles available, this collection is set to become a prized possession for whisky collectors and aficionados. The entire set is RM7,794.70. Perhaps a worthwhile investment for a piece of whisky-making history. For those fortunate enough to secure a bottle – or all eight – the Diageo Spirited Xchange collection offers more than a drink; it offers a journey of discovery through the art of whisky-making, infused with the essence of global culture.
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Images: Diageo Malaysia