Diageo has unveiled its 2021 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, called “Legends Untold.” This year the collection reaches into the realms of augmented reality to share the untold stories of the distilleries in new ways. The 2020 Collection included a Dalwhinnie 30-Year-Old and a Cragganmore 20-Year-Old.
“According to our ancient fables, otherworldly beings have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity,” says the distillery about the inspiration for the new collection. “This autumn by a twist of fate, the mythical creatures of the distilleries are set to come to life revealing their true characters. Drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries, this collection nods to the hidden gems that can be found in each corner of the Scottish terrain amongst the lochs and rugged highlands. Guarded for only a privileged few to know and savour, this collection of whiskies will spark the imaginations of every whisky lover, spirit-enthusiast, and fantasist as soon as it touches their lips.”
The Untold Legends collection highlights the diversity of Diageo’s most treasured reserves maturing in Scotland. For the first time it will feature bold heavily detailed illustrations and design work from renowned digital illustrator Ken Taylor. His signature style and interpretation of the mythical creatures takes cues from his portfolio of pop culture artwork and unmistakable posters.
Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson hand-picked each of the whiskies to create the Legends Untold collection. “We have delved into the core characteristics of several classic distilleries, exploring the elements and reimagining the liquids for the Legends Untold collection,” said Wilson. “The mythical creatures of this year’s collection represent the true expressions of the distilleries. Taking inspiration from them, we have revealed new depths of flavour and embraced the essence of each of the whiskies unique flavour profiles revealing the legend it brings to life. This year’s collection is just the very beginning of the story.”
The legends are unlocked via on-pack QR code, and the multi-sensory experience begins with a narration of the cask-strength Single Malts’ tale. Scotch fans are then guided through a mixed reality tasting experience, designed to captivate their senses, all from the comfort of their own homes.
The collection includes:
- The darkly robust and rich Mortlach 13-Year-Old from the Speyside Dufftown distillery
- A briny, bold fire-breathing sea-monster of a malt with smoky undertones in the Talisker 8-Year-Old
- A rare Highland expression of the Royal Lochnagar with a nimble springtime freshness
- Two unique and enchanting expressions of the Lagavulin, ‘The King of Islay’: A fiercely intense, yet perfectly balanced sweet and salty 12-Year-Old and, the jewel in the crown, a 26-Year-Old, finished in first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso casks
The 2021 Special Releases collection will be available in limited quantities from specialist Scotch whisky retailers and malts.com this Autumn.
Availability Autumn 2021 from specialist retailers in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, selected markets across Asia and in airport duty free.
The Legends Untold whiskies are:
Mortlach 13 Years Old
ABV: 55.9%
Region: Speyside
Cask: Virgin and refill American oak casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £135 ($181 USD)
Singleton of Glendullan 19 Years Old
ABV: 54.6%
Region: Speyside
Cask: Refill American oak casks, finished in Cognac casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £140 ($188 USD)
Talisker 8 Years Old
ABV: 59.7%
Region: Island/ Isle of Skye
Cask: Heavily peated refill casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £90 ($121 USD)
Lagavulin 26 Years Old
ABV: 44.2%
Region: Islay
Cask: PX/oloroso-seasoned first-fill casks
Bottles available: 7,542
RRP: £1,650 ($2,217 USD)
Lagavulin 12 Years Old
ABV: 56.5% ABV
Region: Islay
Cask: Refill American oak casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £130 ($175 USD)
Cardhu 14 Years Old
ABV: 55.5%
Region: Speyside
Casks: Refill American oak casks, finished in red wine casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £120 ($161 USD)
Oban 12 Years Old
ABV: 56.2%
Region: Coastal Highland
Cask: Freshly charred American oak casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £105 ($141 USD)
Royal Lochnagar 16 Years Old
ABV: 57.5%
Region: Highland
Cask: American oak and European oak refill casks
Bottles available: Limited quantities
RRP: £200 ($269 USD)
