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<\/div>\nDiageo 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
See also: Is This Scotch Whisky\u2019s Most Exclusive New Experience?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This release doesn\u2019t come alone though, and arrives on the market as part of Diageo\u2019s new Rare Series, simply described as a \u2018prestigious, evolving collection\u2019 of \u2018singular character and distinctive qualities,\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWith projects like this, it’s very rare to have complete creative freedom over what we’re doing,\u201d says Diageo\u2019s master blender, Craig Wilson, during a preview tasting. \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s also a 34-year-old Blair Athol ($900; 347 bottles), and a 42-year-old Cao Ila ($3,000; 318 bottles).<\/p>\n![\"diageo](\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/04\/rareseriescollection_landscape11-2560x1440.jpg\")
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