TOWARDS ZERO CARBON EMISSION

 GREEN SPIRITS – THE WHISKY DISTILLERIES DRIVING POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION

Scotch Whisky production, a process that is steeped in tradition, is rooted in three natural ingredients – cereals, water, and yeast. With a complex process from grain to glass, the industry is determined to reduce the impact of energy-intensive distilling operations, and preserve the natural environment that produces Scotch Whisky for another 530 years and further.

Across Scotland, large and small whisky distillers are re-examining and revising their production patterns and identifying where they can be more efficient with their resources. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, and working more collaboratively, these distilleries are not just adhering to stricter environmental standards but are also leading the way towards a sustainable and accountable spirits industry.

Building on this foundation, members of the Scotch Whisky Association, who are partners to the Race to Zero, are working hard to secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry – ensuring its products are produced sustainably, traded globally and enjoyed responsibly.

Distilleries like Bruichladdich, Glentauchers, and Ardmore are not only moving towards net zero emissions but are also pioneering projects that leave a positive environmental footprint. The examples below highlight the industry’s commitment to creating a net zero and nature-positive world, showcasing innovative practices that go beyond compliance to benefitting the health of our natural world.

Bruichladdich – Packaging

On a mission to use less and to use better, Bruichladdich Distillery redesigned their flagship Classic Laddie bottle, taking a number of steps to reduce their impact and lower packaging emissions. The secondary tin which generated more than 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide (1.13 Kg) in the production process was removed; the optimised bottle design means that it is 32% lighter than the previous version, while still keeping the iconic aqua colour – now with an organic ink coating. The recycled glass content of the bottle has also risen to an average of 60%.

This lighter bottle means shipping is more efficient, with more bottles on every pallet that enters or and leaves the distillery – further cutting transport CO2 emissions when shipping on and off Bruichladdich’s home on Islay. By optimising a number of design choices, the new bottle reduces packaging CO2 emissions by 65%, and the distillery will continue reviewing all elements of the production process to reduce its impact across the entire value chain – from grain to glass.

The industry has become accustomed to believing that single malt Scotch whisky must come with outer packaging as a standard. Where most other spirits travel around the world in just the bottle, the majority of single malts have an elaborate or heavy secondary outer pack. That begs the question, why? Secondary packaging is not always necessary, and it certainly militates against sustainability.  

The distillery teamed with Glasgow-based design agency Thirst to redesign the bottle. In addition to Thirst’s contributions, Bruichladdich teamed up with a Swiss artist named Simon Berger. Berger is known for working with glass. In order to create the distillery’s latest iteration of The Classic Laddie, Berger shattered 15 panes of recyclable glass.

The distillery’s aim of creating more sustainable packaging comes at a highly critical time for the Earth’s warming climate. An article published in October 2021 stressed the grave impact global warming has had on Scotland’s distilleries. According to The Independent, droughts caused by climate change could reduce Scotland’s water supply by the 2080s, which could be catastrophic.

Whisky distilleries in the region typically use 61 billion litres of water a year, per the Independent. Severe droughts could force some scotch distilleries to stop producing the spirit in its entirety.

Fortunately, many Scotch distilleries have launched sustainability initiatives in the wake of the climate crisis. In January 2021, the Scotch Whisky Association committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040, according to The Scotsman.

Chivas Brothers (Glentauchers) – Mechanical Vapour Recompression

By incorporating Mechanical Vapour Recompression technology in combination with its existing Thermal Vapour Recompression systems and hot water generation, Chivas Brothers’ Glentauchers Distillery in Speyside is able to recycle close to 100% of the steam produced in the falling film condenser and halve energy usage and carbon emissions.

The next step on Chivas Brothers’ journey towards achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026 is the rollout of these integrations across all its viable sites, including Glasgow’s Strathclyde Distillery. In the spirit of putting collaboration ahead of competition, the lessons learnt from the integration have also been made ‘open source’, with the intention that they benefit the Scotch whisky industry on its journey towards a sustainable future.

Suntory Global Spirits (Ardmore) – Peatland Water Restoration

Suntory Global Spirits launched the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative, committing to replenish as much peat as is used to create their peated whiskies by 2030, and doubling this target by 2040.

The programme is investing over $4.4 million into the restoration and conservation of a minimum of 2,600 hectares of peatlands by the end of the next decade, which will help protect high quality water sources across Scotland. With 14 hectares already restored near the company’s Ardmore distillery, 70 hectares near its Bowmore and Laphroaig distilleries on Islay, and another 160 hectares of restoration in progress in East Ayrshire, Suntory Global Spirits is working with local partners such as the RSPB, Forestry and Land Scotland and the James Hutton Institute to further Scotland’s sustainability and biodiversity ambitions and net-zero goals.

Beam Suntory Gives Laphroaig Bottle a Greener Glow-Up

Beam Suntory is going greener for its iconic green Laphroaig scotch whisky bottle. The company has refreshed the design with one said to be more sustainable design, which the company said will reduce its CO2 emission by 30%, in turn supporting its Proof Positive sustainability strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its value chain by 2040.

The new design keeps Laphroaig’s signature green bottle design with black and white accents but replaces the plastic bar top with a beech wood alternative. The secondary packaging will also be substituted with a more recycling-friendly carton.

The packaging will also introduce new details that include embossed Laphroaig lettering on the side, as well as renaming "select" to "oak select" as a nod to the role of casks in the whisky's flavour profile. There will be no change to the actual whisky itself.

Pernod Ricard tested single-mould paper-based bottles in the U.K. for their Absolut Vodka brand, made of 57% paper with an integrated barrier of recyclable plastic. This will soon extend to whisky bottles.

Amber Nectar Goes Green As Whisky Has A Low Carbon Makeover

For whisky lovers, the packaging that holds their precious bottle – and the bottle itself, with its carefully designed contours, dimples, decanter-style elegance, in crystal clear or tinted glass, with richly coloured porcelain flagons in velvet bags – is an evocative starting point to the warming dram that awaits.

The story told in the dram’s presentation taps into everything from history and heritage to landscape and nature, wrapped up in aspirational packaging evoking luxury, elegance and style.

Ever since a striding Johnnie Walker appeared on the label, red coat swinging and tipping his top hat in jolly greeting, whisky has been a successful marriage between what’s in the bottle and the emotional tug sparked by how it is presented. But now the face of whisky – or, at least, the boxes, tubes, presentation tins and bottles that it comes in – is going through a very modern makeover.

This week, it emerged that the Islay distillery, Bruichladdich, has broken with tradition and, in an effort to reduce waste, energy usage and excess materials, is cutting back on “unnecessary” outer packaging.

Its Port Charlotte range was already being sold exclusively without its traditional, distinctive, black and gold tin box. It follows last year’s “One Tin Lighter” initiative which offered customers the chance to opt out of secondary packaging: more than half chose the “no tin” option. According to Bruichladdich, revived in 2001 after seven years in mothballs, production of each tin had produced 1.13kg of CO2.

Stripping back on presentation is part of a drive to be more sustainable: behind the scenes, the Victorian distillery is preparing to install innovative hydrogen combustion technology to heat its stills and decarbonise the distillation process.

Others are also rethinking their elaborate packaging: Chivas Brothers’ premium brand, Royal Salute, has replaced its signature porcelain flagon – which often crops up, empty, on online auction sites – with a more sustainable, although perhaps less luxurious, coated glass flagon. What is lost in heritage – the flagon has been a feature of the brand since its launch in 1953 – it makes up for by ticking a giant green box: the move results in a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of the primary packaging.

It may be a sector which loves to trumpet heritage, history and tradition but, with the industry aiming to make all new packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, it seems change is coming.

Signs of what lies ahead emerged at COP26, when a limited-edition blended Scotch drawn from 26 distilleries across Scotland’s five whisky regions was released. It features a bottle made from 97% recycled glass and with a stopper made from recycled wood and cork.

Some distilleries are exploring the use of thinner glass bottles, while Diageo has collaborated with glass manufacturer Encirc to use waste-based biofuel-powered furnaces to produce a pilot of 173,000 Black & White bottles made using 100% recycled glass.

More recently, The Macallan launched its Harmony Collection, a limited release series of single malts with a sustainability message. The first, Rich Cacao, has a presentation box made of paper derived from from cacao pods discarded during the chocolate-making process.

In Wales, Bangor University’s Biocomposites Centre in collaboration with Pulpex – a research and development collaboration between Diageo and venture management company Pilot Lite – has designed a paper bottle for spirits made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood pulp.

Whilst paper bottles may be hard to swallow for drinkers who like their dram to ooze luxury, in Singapore there are even fewer frills attached. There, some supermarkets now feature spirits vending machines that dispense whisky, gin and vodka straight into customers’ reusable bottles.

But does removing so much of whisky’s luxury components and stripping back to basics take away some of its precious magic?

Jim Murray, a well-known author of books on Whisky, says a careful balance needs to be struck between reducing waste while still retaining some of the rare qualities that make drinking whisky feel like a special experience.

“Whisky is all about taste, the feel of it in your mouth, the smell,” he says. “The outer covering that it comes in adds to that sensual aspect. How a product is packaged can enhance or detract from the sensuality of the whisky. Packaging is important but whisky has a packaging problem. In recent years some of the packaging has got more and more demented. Some bottles are so heavy that, once empty, they could be used as weapons to kill – there is a serious amount of glass going on.”

Nonetheless, he feels a twinge of regret at the demise of Chivas’s porcelain flagons. “There’s a history of whisky going into ceramic containers,” he says. “I am a little sad to see some of it go as it can be quite elegant and rather lovely. But if they are going to cut down on the packaging, I hope this is shown in the price of products coming down, too, but I suspect it won’t.”

For whisky brands, shedding outer layers means exposing the naked bottle to the supermarket shelf, which creates the dilemma of whether to convey their story of heritage and tradition or groundbreaking sustainability.

According to Lynsey Pritchard, client services director at Thirst, the creative agency that worked with Bruichladdich on its new-look Port Charlotte brand, this will require a creative approach.

“Some consumers will be engaged with the sustainable message and automatically make that purchase,” she says. “But some will feel deprived. It might be that the bottle or label has to work harder. Brands might have to think of what they can do to enhance customers’ interaction with the brand. We have seen online videos where the distiller takes you through a virtual tasting, or it might be a Spotify playlist to have with your dram.”

Whilst Scotch whisky has been built on heritage and tradition, a new breed of consumer often seeks brands that align with their modern values. When choosing a brand or making a purchase, it’s going to be something you want to be seen with and share on your social media. It’s quite new to the whisky industry but we see it in other industries such as fashion and beauty; beauty has a big focus on natural, vegan and refills. It can be argued that luxury has now become a purchase that removes the guilt from indulgence – it’s not really about financial wealth or special status, it’s about self-improvement and living guilt free.

Whisky producers are already “thinking outside the box” it seems. Colourful bottles have appeared: Bruichladdie’s The Classic Laddie comes in bright turquoise; Haig Club’s vessel is rich, blue and square.

There’s also been a surge in colourful, eye-catching arty labels such as The Boutique-y Whisky Company which features bold cartoon graphic designs, collaborations with artists – Glenfiddich has worked with some of the world’s most innovative artists for two decades – and tie-ins with influencers and celebrities. Even venues feature: The Dalmore’s The Luminary Series of limited edition malts has been curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, blending whisky and architectural design.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) says the sector has made significant inroads towards becoming a greener, more sustainable industry. It points out that greenhouse emissions have been cut by more than 50% since 2008, while almost 40% of all energy used by producers is obtained from non-fossil fuel sources, compared to 28% in 2018.

As well as the pledge to have all new packaging recyclable or compostable by 2025, the industry has also pledged to use water responsibly and play an active role in the conservation of Scotland’s peatland.

The SWA’s Sustainability Strategy, meanwhile, commits the sector to reaching net-zero emissions in its operations by 2040.

At present, some consumers do expect premium products like Scotch whisky to have a premium look and feel, sometimes equating this to more elaborate packaging. How will this perspective be challenged while reassuring consumers that using low-carbon – and less – packaging will not reduce the premium nature of Scotch whisky and how it is presented? This industry is committed to addressing the impact of the packaging used to bottle and transport Scotch whisky around the world. Getting to net zero is a clear priority, therefore tackling this agenda is critical.

WHISKY BOTTLING GOES GREEN

 LEADING WHISKY BRANDS AIM TO REDUCE
CARBON EMISSIONS

Leading global alcohol monoliths Diageo and Pernod Ricard, among others are forging a path towards atmospheric stability and salubrity. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to not only deliver the premium quality and iconic design their customers expect from them, but to do so in a way that reflects their sustainability ambitions.

Paper-Based Whisky Bottles Behind The Bar

Diageo recently tried out a 90% paper-based bottle for its Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch whisky, suggesting that it could emit 47% less carbon than standard glass solutions. This trial took place exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 in Edinburgh. Bartenders served drinks from 250 70cl bottles to test their feasibility in a bar environment; consumers were able to see the bottles, but not purchase them. A report on the innovative experiment is awaited.

An external life cycle analysis claims that the prototype could reduce carbon emissions by 47% compared to the glass Johnnie Walker Black Label equivalent. It also claims to be approximately 60% lighter. Inside the bottle is a ‘very thin’ plastic liner that, according to Diageo, does not impact the bottle’s recyclability, as it is not attached or bonded to the Dry Molded Fibre outer layer. Therefore, it does not require separation before the components are recycled.

PulPac, Setop DIAM, and PA Consulting worked with Diageo to produce the bottle closure, which is made from a combination of cork and similar Dry Molded Fibre paper technology to the bottle itself; however, it is excluded from calculations and only intended for use during the trial.

The stopper used in the trial is not recyclable, but alternative solutions are reportedly in development.

As a whole, the bottle’s design maintains the same square shape as previous Johnnie Walker Black Label bottles, yet cuts unique facets into the sides and embosses the company’s Striding Man iconography onto the bottle and closure.

This trial took place as part of the Bottle Collective with PA and PulPac. As the paper-based bottle is tested and developed further, the partners plan to consider future improvements to its recyclability.

These bottles break new ground in packaging design and shows the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, whilst seeking to maintain the elegance, luxury, and bottle size expected in the premium drinks market.

PulPac’s Dry Molded Fibre technology opens up new possibilities for cost-effective, lightweight, less carbon intensive and more sustainable packaging. Feedback collected from bartenders and the public following the market trial is being evaluated so they can test and refine the bottle and technology further.

A previous trial saw Diageo and PA Consulting work together to trial paper-based packaging for Baileys’ Original Irish Cream Liqueur. Designed for recycling in standard paper streams, the 80ml bottles were served at Time Out Festival in Barcelona, Spain; the design team used the lessons learned from the trial to inform the technical aspects of a larger, more complex bottle shape for Johnnie Walker.

Johnnie Walker has also unveiled its Blue Label Ultra bottle, which is the brand’s lightest 70cl scotch whisky glass bottle and could potentially be the lightest in the world. The company aspires to reduce the weight of its glass packaging and lower its packaging-related carbon emissions.

At 180g without the closure, Diageo says the new bottle was created by adopting a ‘test-and-learn’ model, where the whisky brand worked with external glass makers to rethink how the bottle was designed, made and transported. Apparently, the glass was hand-blown, and the teardrop shape meant reforming the square Johnnie Walker bottle for the first time.

As part of the Diageo Spirit of Progress action plan, Johnnie Walker aims to reduce the weight of glass used in its packaging, also hoping to reduce the amount of carbon emissions associated with packaging. Citing a study by British Glass, the company says actual savings would be project and product dependent, but ‘independent studies show that, all else equal, for every gram of glass reduced that means over half a gram less carbon emissions in production’.

Diageo says the technology is not yet available to launch bottles of this weight at scale - however, Johnnie Walker has been granted a UK patent, and a license to the patent will be offered on a royalty-free basis to any interested parties, aiming to encourage further progress in the industry. Reportedly, 888 bottles of the new design will be produced and a limited number released for sale in 2025 in selected markets worldwide, with an RRP of £1000.

The technical challenges that light-weighting presents required incorporation of various design and production specifications that could not have been envisaged at the start of the journey; from the requirement of a tear drop shape to the addition of a protective cage to allow for a round base, and the hand-making and filling of each individual bottle to avoid damages in production. It is hoped that the discoveries will have a positive impact within the wider industry and help discover new possibilities for lighter, lower carbon packaging alternatives.

In July 2024, Diageo and ecoSPIRITS announced a global agreement to distribute Gordon’s gin, Captain Morgan rum, and Smirnoff vodka in reusable packaging at bars, hotels, and restaurants via the ‘lower carbon, lower waste’ ecoTOTE technology. The agreement is set to offer a ‘flexible framework’ in which Diageo can pilot and scale circular packaging in 18 markets within the space of three years.

Laphroaig

Butterfly Cannon has launched a new campaign for Laphroaig’s Scotch Whisky, hoping to enhance the storytelling elements of its gifting strategy and encourage consumers to buy Islay single malts as presents.

The new campaign is inspired by the line of green wellie boots lined up in the boat room of the visitor centre at Laphroaig’s distillery. These are reserved for the ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ community, who are given the opportunity to claim a piece of Islay land and are loaned a pair of wellies to walk to their plot. Butterfly Cannon was inspired by this ‘overt symbol of Laphroaig’s connection with their land’ and took note of the boots’ flexible rubber, fold-over top, adjustable buckle, and sturdy tread. It combined these features with Laphroaig’s signature green colour, logo lockup, and an ‘L’ pattern on the tread of the boot to produce the new, boot-shaped pack.

It is designed for reuse as an outdoor container for such items as camping gear, art supplies, water bottles, or other Laphroaig bottles. As such, it features a side strap for easy carrying and is built for durability.

Chivas Regal 18 YO

Whisky company Chivas Regal has unveiled a new look for its Chivas Regal 18, with a reported 25% glass weight reduction on its flagship 70cl bottle and ‘fully recyclable outer packaging’.

The updated bottle features a taller, more rounded shape and a layered, multi-faceted label. A traditional Scottish symbol, the Luckenbooth, is now positioned at the centre of the label and embossed into the glass base.

The Chivas Regal shield and crossed spears have also been embossed into the glass. Named The Gold Signature, the updated carton - said to be fully recyclable - features gold detailing and a gold-coloured tin lid finished with Chivas Regal master blender Sandy Hyslop’s signature in gold lettering.

The company states its flagship 70cl bottle’s reduction in glass weight is expected to save over 500 tonnes of glass annually, based on FY24 volume sales. The new design brings Chivas Regal 18 in line with Chivas Regal 12, which unveiled a new look in 2021 and follows the transformations of Chivas Extra and XV.

The new Chivas Regal 18 bottle not only showcases Pernod Ricard’s dedication to luxury with its refined design but also highlights ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact. By reducing glass weight and transitioning to fully recyclable outer packaging, they are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future. The new Chivas Regal 18 bottle will be rolling out globally from Oct 2024.

An All-New Look For Chivas Regal 12 YO

Starting 2022, the same, signature 12-year-old blended smooth Scotch whisky was levelled up with a bolder bottle in a richer shade of ruby. You’ll still see the familiar rounded shoulders of the bottle design, but it now stands taller and prouder – and on greener credentials, too. The 12 years spent in the cask are honoured with bold XII numerals, sitting below the sleeker, emblematic Chivas Regal crest, which is etched carefully into the capsule and glass.

In 2021, the first carton was produced which depicted scenes from Scottish history and folklore. King Robert the Bruce on his battle charger and scenes from the Battle of Bannockburn were embossed into the foil carton, alongside images showing Highland dress in the 16th to 19th centuries. The Chivas Brothers Crest also depicted King Robert, with the Gaelic motto ‘Treibhireas Bunaiteachd’ (translated to ‘fidelity and stability)’ above him. The new Chivas Regal 12 bottle pays homage to its incredible history, while turning boldly to the future.

Chivas Regal 12 now uses 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging materials as we accelerate towards our 2025 target of 100% recyclable, reusable, compostable or bio-based packaging, which will save 92 tonnes of plastic per year. The reduced weight of the new Chivas Regal 12 bottle saves more than 1,000 tonnes of glass each year, with its completely plastic-free packaging saving 2.3 million plastic bottles. Lastly, all-new delivery boxes lessen the energy needed in the recycling process. Together, these components contribute substantially to reducing Chivas’ CO2 emissions.

 

DIAGEO'S 2024 AI FOLLOW UP

 Diageo Special Releases 2024

 This year's collection is a continuation of the Spirited Xchange that delves deeper into flavour exploration, experimenting with various cask combinations that challenge expectations, essentially about curiosity and what happens when you challenge yourself to think ‘what if’. This has led Diageo to explore a variety of exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for The Singleton, to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavour to its unmistakably umami identity.

The Diageo Annual Special Release is a selection of whiskies that fans of great malts eagerly await each year. Each release now consists of eight whiskies; Diageo has more than 30 distilleries, some more active than others, from which it can source these whiskies. Collectors around the world usually chase each Release with unbridled fervor, hopefully to drink and share these gems, but we all know that some will be squirrelling these bottles away for a future date…

The Special Releases 2024 collection unveiled in New York on 30 Sep 2024 continues the Spirited Xchange theme. While the first year of Spirited Xchange broke boundaries in whisky-making by blending global cultures and innovative flavours, this year's collection dares to ask, "What if?" Diageo aims to challenge expectations, offering fresh perspectives that push the limits of flavour and craftsmanship for its iconic brands, showcasing its confidence and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Every whisky in this collection serves as a stage for innovation. It’s a journey to reimagine the essence of some of the world’s most iconic brands, using experimental cask pairings and surprising flavour profiles. The expertly curated ‘Spirited Xchange: Second Edition' delves into unexplored realms of aroma and taste. The primary opening line in each case is: What if?

This collection, while a compilation of rare and unique single malts that explore new flavours and maturation techniques, includes five brands that featured last year, in different form, of course and three new names. New for 2024 are the Benrinnes 21 Year Old; an unpeated Caol Ila that is not something seen often and a Glen Ord product, a 14-YO Singleton. A new version of Roseisle 12 Year Old which appeared in 2023 for the first time, and now gets a very similar follow-up, completes the lineup.

All whiskies are youngish to middle-aged, between 8 years and 14 years old, with the Benrinnes being the only release that is quite a bit older. As always, each whisky in the collection is bottled at natural cask strength and without chill-filtration to ensure it is presented in its undiluted authentic flavour.

Prices for the 2024 collection are about in line with previous years—it opens at just $105 for a uniquely finished 8 year old Talisker, and tops off at $480 for the ultra-aged Benrinnes. Their quality justifies their price, says Diageo, trolled last year for unjustified prices. Not only did many European retailers refuse to take bulk orders, but prices at several retailers also dropped within three months of first release. Expressions of expensive releases are fairly easily available today at marked down prices:

•         Talisker Tidal Churn: An 8-year-old Talisker matured in bourbon casks and finished in stone-spun and re-toasted American oak

•      Oban Coastal Orchard: A 10-year-old Oban aged in refill American oak and partially finished in oloroso-seasoned American oak

•         Roseisle Origami Kite 2: A second release from Speyside distiller Roseisle

•         Lagavulin Fireside Tales: A Lagavulin with an ABV of 57.4%

•         Mortlach Midnight Dusk: A Mortlach with an ABV of 57.5%

•         Benrinnes Grand Crescendo: A 21-year-old Benrinnes

•         Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast: An 11-year-old Caol Ila with a creamy, nutty mouthfeel and green apple flavors

•      The Singleton of Glen Ord Autumn Walk: A Reappearing Singleton with an ABV of 54.7%

Talisker 8 YO ‘Tidal Churn’ 58.7% ABV OB RRP £89.95

Finished in stone-spun Oak casks

“What if a whisky could channel the power of ocean tides?”

This 8 YO Talisker was matured in both refill and first-fill bourbon casks. It was finished in stone-spun oak casks, wherein stone is rotated against the wood, gently eroding the existing char which is then gently washed away by flowing water, and again in re-toasted American oak. Singularly unusual casks which foster singularly unusual flavours. That initiates the answer!

Dive deep into the elemental power of the ocean with Talisker 8 Year Old - Tidal Churn, an expression that channels the raw energy of the tides allowing fruity notes of pear, apple, and vanilla to emerge with bold clarity. The finished whisky, old gold in colour with an amber hue and thick and slow beads is a testament to Talisker’s maritime heritage, where waves of seaweed, pepper, spices, pear and apple rise beneath the distillery’s signature maritime smoke creating a dynamic tasting experience that surges with oceanic intensity. An answer constituted!

Experience Talisker’s smoky, sea-salted character in all its glorious dimension—perfect for those who crave a whisky imbued with the untamed power of the sea.

Nose: TCP/iodine, plaster, kippers, wet vegetation (peat), wood smoke, grilled lemon and pineapple, almond paste, vanilla custard and pepper.

Palate: Bold and punchy, with the typical Talisker brine and peppers. It's both sweet and sour, and quite peaty (although a bit less than on the nose). TCP, tar, smoked barbecue bacon, lime juice, green pineapple, vanilla, and wood chips. Towards the finale it gets increasingly spicy and a tad bitter.

Finish: Long, spicy (pepper) and woody, with an earthy influence. Chili pepper, liquorice, wood chips, nutmeg, shellfish and salted lime.

Overall: Like almost every Talisker, this is very decent. On the other hand these slightly weird casks don’t offer a unique fingerprint. It leaves one wondering why Diageo keeps pushing out so many 8 YO Taliskers as ‘special releases’.

                     

 Oban Coastal Orchard: 10YO, 58% ABV, RRP £108.95

Finished in charred American oak barrels seasoned with Oloroso sherry.

“What if the smallest seed could give rise to a magnificent orchard?”

Discover the charm of Oban 10 Year Old - Coastal Orchard, a whisky that evokes the vibrant beauty of a sea-sprayed orchard in full bloom. Hailing from one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, this exquisite 10 year old expression marries the rugged coastal influence with delicate orchard sweetness.

Oban’s Coastal Orchard is a vibrant expression that has been aged and harmoniously blended in American oak refill barrels and then partially finished in new freshly charred American oak barrels that have been seasoned with oloroso Sherry, creating a flavour profile of coastal air and rich orchard fruits. One doesn't see that many cask strength Oban releases on the market, and it is always a nice refreshing change to try this Highland malt with a little sherry cask influence. The quest is straightforwrd: "What if the smallest seed could give rise to a magnificent orchard?" As the answer, begin with "imagine the humblest of seeds taking root deep within a coastal bay. A magnificent sea-sprayed orchard blooms, born of a tiny shell."

Continue on that line: With every tide’s fall a harmonious burst of flora ripples with warm waves of nectar, bathing the coast in aromatic bounty. Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries but its whiskies thrive with imposing character. This 10-year-old expression is matured in refill casks, before being selectively finished in newly charred American oak barrels, freshly seasoned with oloroso sherry, imparting baked apple notes and subtle wisps of sea salted vanilla. Expect notes of charred oak, a bouquet of spiced nutmeg, sweet cinnamon and hints of clove. There you have it!

Nose: Worty malt, good bourbon casks with moderate caramel and vanilla plus soft coconut and milk lolly-geared lactones, orchard stone fruits and a bit of marzipan nuttiness.

Palate: Way more sherry driven, a bit vinous plus some mushroom/ nutty undertones. Some nice crunchy white fruits running underneath plus hints of melon and peach, soft cask spices with lactones and still a wee twinge of new-make. If your dram is from the lower half of a 2-month old opened bottle, some oak/sherry extractive flavours come up; since it is still a bit young to have had sufficient interaction, it does still play a touch young. The rancio is very appealing, especially for those that are big fans of Amontillado.

Overall: A testament to Oban Distillery’s artistry, this limited-edition release is both verdant and lush, with a fragrant, sweet-spiced character that speaks to its coastal heritage. Perfect for those seeking a whisky that blends coastal freshness with a richly layered orchard sweetness.

Roseisle Origami Kite II: 12YO, 55.6% ABV, OB, RRP £135

Matured in a combination of first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks.

    “What if simplicity made for perfection, like the folds of a kite?”

A paper kite swirls in the Scottish sky. Simple and delicate, it rides the highland winds with wondrous endurance. Each lift is a testament to artisanship.

From the cutting-edge Roseisle Distillery, their second-ever expression boasts smoothly integrated aromas and soaring tastes that defy the complexity of its marriage of three spirit streams in distinctly different cask types. The Malt Master evokes a sublime Single Malt Scotch Whisky that soars with profound flavour, building on the folds of a previous flight, born of seemingly simple elements, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks for 12 years.

A paper kite swirls in the Scottish sky. Simple and delicate, it rides the highland winds with wondrous endurance. Each lift is a testament to artisanship. The second ever expression from the cutting-edge Roseisle distillery evokes a sublime Single Malt Scotch that soars with profound flavour, building on the folds of a previous flight, born of seemingly simple elements. 

Matured in first fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks, the deep amber medium-bodies spirit embedded with coppery lights provide rich flavours blossoming with smooth creamy texture. Notes of ripe fruit and white chocolate lie beneath the sweet vanilla aroma. Nuanced spice balance warm complexity, leading to an experience of pure harmony from technical artistry with very fine beading and good legs. Precise refinement to achieve exquisite balance.  ​​

Nose: Sweet vanilla, ripe fruit, and creamy white chocolate aromas. Pleasantly mild, wine-like, supported by a slightly tart fruitiness reminiscent of unripe redcurrants.

Palate: Hints of vanilla icing and vanilla ice cream, balanced at once by a spirit-spicy complexity that carries a rich fruitiness.

Finish: Quite long, finishing richly sweet and lightly spicy with a controlled peppery warmth.

Overall: With its graceful composition, Origami Kite II is a whisky that elevates the senses, offering a refined yet powerful expression born of simplicity and precision. Can be had neat or on the rocks.

Lagavulin Fireside Tales: 12YO, 57.4% ABV, OB,  RRP £ 180

Matured in classic first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks.

“What if smoke was tamed into inviting sweetness?”

This 12 year old Lagavulin is billed as far softer, subtler, and sweeter than the Islay distillery’s usual smoky, phenolic offerings, a result of extended time spent in a combination of bourbon barrels, re-fill American oak hogsheads, and re-fill European oak butts.

Awaken a Scotch whisky that bears the tales of oak, like a warm memory that takes hold. Just as Islay folk fall quiet settling into fireside storytelling, and a burning fire turns to gentle embers, and open the gateway to the revelation of a softer dimension to the legend of Lagavulin.

The Lagavulin character becomes sweeter and gentler in this medium-bodied expression thanks to its maturation in first-fill bourbon and refill casks for a lush and glazed aroma. A classic phenolic and powerful Lagavulin, this unusual expression shows that there can also be a softer, sweeter, spicier side to the mighty king of Islay. This is Lagavulin character made sweet under the command of active oak. Bold smoke quietened to a hush, a testament to oak’s dynamic influence on bold character: powerful peat tempers into inviting sweetness. Therein lies the answer. Made for the curious at heart.​​ Expect notes of thick toffee, vanilla, and coconut, unfurling with aromatic spice.

Nose: Drying in feel, and quite gentle. Fresh, clean phenols rise to the fore at once with aromas of a smoldering bonfire on a distant beach.

Palate: Smoothly creamy and really mouth-filling in texture, very sweet to taste at first then quickly drying, with a sprinkling of salt and a controlled smokiness.

Finish: Long, finally powerfully smoky and drying, with a twist of warming spice that also lingers in the aftertaste.

Overall: It’s the perfect whisky for a good fireside tale, a classically sweet expression of power.

Mortlach Midnight Dusk: NAS, 57.5% ABV, OB,  RRP £249.95

Finished in Italian ramandolo and sangiovese wine casks.

“What if a whisky could rival the Aperitivo moment?”

Mortlach rarely gets an age statement in the Special Releases, but almost always a funky cask finishing. True to form, Mortlach is the sole non-age statement whisky among the Special Releases. This year, the dram was aged in refill and first-fill bourbon barrels, then finished in ramandolo and sangiovese wine—Italian sweet white and red, respectively—casks. Layered crisp fruit, caramelised miso and a hint of cured prosciutto notes emerge for an audaciously umami and fruity flavour, but that gives nothing away about how long it was worked upon where, leaving one with a deep, bold, and deliciously seductive Mortlach, whose wayward character with a bewitching tint in its radiance that will take one from twilight into the night.

Step into the enchanting realm of Mortlach - Midnight Dusk, a whisky that captures the decadent allure of twilight. Known as "The Beast of Dufftown," Mortlach’s bold character takes on a new dimension, rivalling the elegance of the aperitivo hour. The interplay of umami

and sweetness creates a captivating experience, layered with earthy tones from the Sangiovese casks and the honeyed warmth of Ramandolo wine, bold, seductive, and layered with intrigue. Truly complex with varying interplay of sensations.

Nose: Heady top notes make a vinous first impression, suggesting white grapes and Manzanilla sherry. Soon the aromas become fresh, floral and fruity.

Palate: Layered crisp fruit on the palate, with caramelised miso, the ultimate reference point for the umami—deeply savoury, with toasty, funky salty-sweet richness and a hint of uncooked, unsmoked, and dry-cured ham.

Finish: A wonderfully umami finish.

Benrinnes Grand Crescendo: 21 YO, 55.4% ABV, OB,  £284.35

Double matured for thirteen years in wine-seasoned American Oak, European Oak, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends.

"What if we doubled the volume on fruity flavour?"

The orchestra takes centre stage for a sensory symphony. Thunderous flavour. Extravagant richness. Booming fruitiness, with the resounding bass line of double maturation.

This full-bodied spirit is deep and full-flavoured; the mature Benrinnes is a vibrant, opulent dram that offers great waves of rich, fruity taste yet retains a splendid balance and will be enjoyable at any time.

The Benrinnes 21 Year Grand Crescendo is a reimagining of an iconic Scotch whisky brand through adventurous cask combinations. The whisky here was first matured for 8 years in refill casks and then further matured for 13 years in wine-seasoned American oak, European oak, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Benrinnes 21 Year Old - Grand Crescendo, an opulent whisky that amplifies fruity flavours to new heights. With double maturation in both American and European oak wine casks, this expression delivers an extraordinary symphony of flavours, booming with extravagant richness and depth.

Aged for varying periods in multiple casks to rejuvenate maturation, this 21 year old whisky unveils a crescendo of overripe dark fruits, stewed pear, smashed fig, and caramelised apple. These vibrant notes reverberate on the palate, creating a sensory experience that is both thunderous and harmonious. Crafted with intentional complexity, Grand Crescendo transcends the ordinary, offering layers of bold, fruit-forward flavour that lingers long after each sip. Deep amber, with rose lights at first sight, one sees good beading and good legs, a harbinger of better things to follow.

Nose: Overripe dark fruits, stewed pear, and caramelised apple, with a touch of oak spice.

Palate: Rich and bold, featuring smashed figs, dark fruits, and layers of caramel and oak. Becomes deliciously sweet-savoury, with an unmissable lick of salt amid spicy intensity.

Finish: Very long and fruity, with warming oak spices and a crescendo of sweetness. Dryness at the very end.

Overall: A whisky made for sybarites seeking an indulgent and unforgettable experience.

Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast: 11 YO, Unpeated, 57.3% ABV, OB, RRP £105.95

Matured in refill, rejuvenated, and rejuvenated ex-wine American & European Oak casks.

“What if there was a whisky worthy of mythical ambrosia?”

A most unexpected Caol Ila (many wouldn’t guess it so), this rare unpeated expression has little of the peated make’s smoky and “fresh clean” nature yet brings the same urgency to a new and compelling taste, exploring the lighter, smoother, fruitier side of the spirit.

Ascend into creamy, nutty bliss with this 2024 Special Releases offering from Caol Ila Distillery. Unusually unpeated, 57.3% ABV Caol Ila 11YO Ambrosial Feast Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed neat or as you prefer. A rare expression, crafted with short fermentations and cloudy worts, showcased in this year’s highly sought-after iconic Special Releases collection and presented in a limited edition collectable carton inspired by Renaissance and Rococo paintings. The aim was to produce a creamy, nutty spirit with green apple notes marketed at full cask strength. Both red and white wine casks were used to elevate it to Ambrosia, the food and drink of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, believed to grant immortality to those who consumed it.

They succeeded in capturing a blissful interplay between rich nutty character and delicious orchard fruit. Shorter fermentation bore cloudy worts that made for an indulgent and gloriously creamy, nutty mouth feel, while carefully partly-filling the pot stills allowed higher copper contact to bring forth complementary fresh and vibrant green apple flavours and spicy accents.

Matured for 11 years in that mix of refill & rejuvenated wine casks in memory of the gods and goddesses of yore, this cask make-up brings out a perfect balance of orchard fruit freshness and spicy warmth. A whisky worthy of mythical ambrosia, Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast invites you to ascend from Islay’s rugged shores to a realm of luxurious flavour and sensory delight.

Nose: Nutty, creamy notes with fresh green apple and a hint of spice.

Palate: Smooth, creamy mouthfeel with orchard fruits, nutty undertones, and a peppery kick.

Finish: Creamy and rich, with lingering fruity freshness and subtle spice.

Overall: A whisky worthy of mythical Ambrosia.

Singleton Of Glen Ord Autumn Walk: 14 YO,54.7% ABV, OB, RRP £126.95

Matured in a mix of experimental casks with European oak and Pyrenean oak cask ends.

"What if we made a whisky bathed in the soft warmth of autumn light?"

Imagine walking through a forest on the slopes of the Pyrenees—a perfect moment of carefree joy. Autumn leaves blanket the ground, their reds and oranges surrounding you. Golden rays filter through the canopy, casting light across a gradient sky. That's the scenario that inspired this single malt whisky's creation.

This 14-year-old expression from The Singleton Glen Ord went through a compound maturation schedule. Here, three parcels of single malt were first aged in ex-bourbon, rejuvenated ex-wine casks and refill casks respectively. After 10 years, the blend was aged for four more years in a mix of experimental casks with European oak and Pyrenean oak cask ends. Ergo, an experience of vibrant orchard fruit flavours, fragrant aromatics, and grassy notes as crisp as the mountain air, balanced by a comforting sweetness that blooms with vanilla, toffee, and spice. Immerse yourself in a moment where Autumn's vivid light meets the rich warmth of this exquisite whisky.

Nose: A mellow nose in feel; mild overall. The first aromas suggest an orange cream cake filling, becoming orange sponge cake with a hint of vanilla. Beneath this lie a faintly waxy suggestion of flaked almonds and a light ‘green’ note, suggesting sugar snap peas or mange tout. fragrant aromatics and grassy notes as crisp as the air unfolds. A drop of water increases the waxy note.

Palate: A creamy texture, which is quite tooth-coating. The taste starts sweet and centre palate, becoming tart, with a strong hint of Seville orange peel, then drying gently as it shows its fierier side with some peppery spiciness. A freshness balanced with comforting sweetness that swells with vanilla, toffee and spice. A drop of water sweetens the taste and reduces the tartness yet does not alter the overall profile.

Finish: Long, warming, and spicy, with a mouth-cooling aftertaste. Still spicy with a dash of water.

Overall: An evocative blend of nature’s beauty and skilled craftsmanship, indulging in the vivid glow of autumn, where every sip mirrors the splendour of an autumnal landscape. Fruity and balanced from the least touted Singleton distillery.

ADDENDUM

Diageo Enhances Tasting Kits With AI

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into its Single Malt Special Releases 2024 Tasting Experience in a bid to create a ‘digitally enabled multi-sensory Scotch whisky journey’.

The Special Releases 2024 Tasting Experience has been created to highlight the craftsmanship of the Spirited Xchange Second Edition collection, which launched in September. It was curated by master blender Dr Stuart Morrison.

The new technology, called ‘FlavorPrintConnect’, brings together whisky-tasting kits and an AI-enhanced digital masterclass, giving users the chance to try part of the Single Malt Special Releases 2024 range, digitally compare their tasting notes with their friends and Diageo master blenders and get served ‘rich’ video content on the whiskies and their distilleries, as well as finishing with their own whisky flavour profile.

FlavorPrintConnect is Diageo’s latest step towards transforming the way consumers experience their products. By merging physical and digital social experiences with the power of FlavorPrint, this innovation enables consumers to explore the depth and character of their single malt Scotch whiskies in ways they never could before. Their vision is for the platform to unlock breakthrough opportunities across the whole of their portfolio.

This ‘cutting-edge innovation’ is built on top of Diageo’s proprietary FlavorPrint AI platform, which identifies and matches flavour profiles – allowing participants to personalise their whisky journey based on individual preferences. The platform is said to not only elevate the tasting experience but also deepen engagement by providing recommendations that guide users’ future exploration in the wider world of spirits.

The kit contains four 200ml whisky-tasting samples from the range, accompanied by a selection of tasting implements and collectable glasses.

Inspired by trends from Diageo’s Distilled report, the firm said the product embraces consumers’ demand for ‘neo-hedonism’ – finding deeper joy in sensory indulgences and redefining the ordinary.

TREND THEMES

1. AI-driven Flavour Profiling - The integration of AI to map and match consumer flavour preferences offers a deeply personalised tasting experience.

2. Digital Masterclasses - Interactive, AI-enhanced digital masterclasses transform traditional education methods into engaging, personalised journeys.

3. Multi-sensory Tasting Experiences - Combining sensory elements with AI technology creates a rich, immersive whisky tasting experience unlike any traditional method.

Industry Implications

1. Alcoholic Beverages - The use of AI to enhance sensory experiences could redefine how whisky and other premium spirits are marketed and enjoyed.

2. E-learning - AI-enhanced interactive masterclasses offer new possibilities for personalised, engaging educational content across various fields.

3. Consumer Electronics - Developing smart sensory devices and interfaces that integrate with AI profiling technologies can revolutionise how consumers interact with products.

Reprint courtesy Diageo.