September 27, 2024

Special Releases 2023 the ‘Spirited Xchange’

Special Releases 2023 the ‘Spirited Xchange’

Thank you DIAGEO Malaysia for inviting me to this exclusive Mentoring Session of Special Releases 2023 the ‘Spirited Xchange’ collection that happened in early September. The venue was set inside a bookstore! Such a unique and interesting experience to have seated inside here and enjoyed the Special Releases!

The Special Releases 2023 collection celebrates Scotch whisky’s rich heritage with a modern twist, honouring local cultures through innovative cask finishes. This exceptional collection features eight single malt whiskies, each one a tribute to cultural exchange of ideas, flavours and traditions that have uniquely shaped the world of Scotch whisky.

The collection of eight Special Releases includes – Roseisle 12 Year Old, Clynelish 10 Year Old, Oban 11 Year Old, Mortlach NAD, Talisker NAD, Lagavulin 12 Year Old, Glenkinchie 27 Year Old, and The Singleton 14 Year Old.

I was very excited because it got to be some first-hand experiences to explore these rare series along with the food pairing specially curated by Red Red Botak Head Restaurant.

It was indeed a great experience to have tasted these Special Releases. As I entered the venue space, I spotted and eyed on the two of them; Roseisle and Glenkinchie because I have never seen before. And also Clynelish, I have seen but never try before. The night, I managed to try all the special eight and yes, I found what I like too!

Roseisle 12 YO The Origami Kite is Roseisle’s first ever release to the public! First fill ex-bourbon and refill casks. It was grassy with quite a sweet hint of vanilla. Clynelish 10 YO the Jazz Crescendo was waxy and has a caramel sweetness with vanilla spice. Oban 11 YO The Soul of Calypso was fruity citrusy with lightly salty sweet taste. Mortlach The Katana’s Edge was like a baked pastries to me, rich with a fruity aftertaste, sweet and savoury. It was finished in a combination of ex-Kanasule Japanese Whisky and ex-Pinot Noir Casks.

It was quite a surprise to taste that the Lagavulin 12YO the Ink of Legends was not too much like the usual Lagavulin. The smokiness was toned down, its citrusy sweet flavours was more prominent (on my palate). Okay, I am not a super big fan of Islay’s peatiness characteristic but this… I can! I like its mildly soft smokiness that lingered round the oral cavity and it paired so well with the last course we had during the night – the tostadas!

As for this whole series, I love Glenkinchie 27 YO The Floral Treasure the most for its citrusy notes and delicate floral scent. I couldn’t stop sniffing this; inhaling the lush floral aromas. It was fruity and lightly sweet, elegantly soft on the palate; smooth and rounded.

This series packaging’s illustration was very well-designed; vibrant and beautiful! Definitely a great collection for the whisky collectors and whisky enthusiasts to try out its rarity.