The 55-year-old Glenury Royal is part of Diageo’s all-new Rare Series collection.
Diageo has delved into its seemingly never ending portfolio (which covers the length and breadth of Scotland and includes over 10 million casks) to release its oldest-ever single malt: a 55-year-old Scotch from Glenury Royal.
Established in 1835, the little-known distillery was demolished in 1993, with its site then used for residential buildings. Casks from this long-lost ghost distillery remain rare, with the 232 bottles of this variety all from the last remaining American oak hogsheads. The whisky defies its age statement, and is light and sweet, with a subtle dryness and a hit of spice. At 62.4 percent ABV, it is no wallflower and a drop or two of water is highly recommended.
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This release doesn’t come alone though, and arrives on the market as part of Diageo’s new Rare Series, simply described as a ‘prestigious, evolving collection’ of ‘singular character and distinctive qualities,’ each picked to represent the style of a different part of Scotland. In an industry where smoke, mystery, and mirrors routinely gather interest, this simple take is refreshing.
“With projects like this, it’s very rare to have complete creative freedom over what we’re doing,” says Diageo’s master blender, Craig Wilson, during a preview tasting. “What myself and my team have been allowed to do is just create a collection that works well as a whole and sits well, and talks about different diverse flavours and different approaches to whisky making.”
Joining the headline Glenury Royal is an experimental 33-year-old Talisker, which was finished for 20-plus years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads and has the famous saltiness, but also a rich sweetness. 331 bottles are being released for $1,300 each. There’s also a 34-year-old Blair Athol ($900; 347 bottles), and a 42-year-old Cao Ila ($3,000; 318 bottles).
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Rounding off the first Rare Series installation is a 42-year-old Clynelish, which, if we’re forced to compare, outshines the flagship Glenury Royal. It exemplifies the Highlands distillery’s signature waxy flavor but with a dose of floral sweetness too. 160 bottles are on offer for $4,000 a pop. Given the $44k price tag for Diageo’s last Prima and Ultima collection (sold as a whole eight-bottle set), which wrapped up in 2024, the Rare Series prices feel comparably reasonable.
And how do you get your hands on these elusive spirits? As of April 30, prospective buyers can register their interest directly with Diageo’s private client team. Purchase comes with access to a number of client-only experiences – details remain scarce, but the team hints at ‘invitation-only events and immersive journeys throughout Scotland.’
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