Bad News for Whisky Lovers: These Exceptional Whiskies Won’t Be Released in 2026

Tuesday, 03 November 2026 at 12:36

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If you’ve been eagerly anticipating the Diageo Special Releases 2026, we have some bad news. The drinks maker has decided not to release a new whisky collection in the series in 2026. This puts a temporary pause on a whisky tradition that dates back to 2001. Diageo has not said whether a new collection will be released in 2027. So why is Diageo putting the series on hold?

Diageo usually unveils its new Special Releases in early autumn—a fixture for around 25 years. The annual collection showcased distinctive whiskies from Diageo’s portfolio, often with an intriguing twist.

This year, however, there was a noticeable silence around the Special Releases. The first bottles typically appear in the US TTB database well in advance, but this time there was nothing to be found. Diageo has now confirmed that the Special Releases will be paused in 2026.

The company says the decision will give it time to review feedback. Diageo wants to ensure future releases better reflect the current preferences of consumers and customers.

A 25-year whisky tradition

The Special Releases have been a fixture in Diageo’s whisky portfolio since 2001. The annual collection became a highly anticipated event, particularly among collectors and fans of distinctive single malts. From 2003 to 2017, the collections typically featured nine to eleven whiskies, often including special bottlings from Port Ellen and Brora, two distilleries that were closed at the time.

From 2019, Diageo took a different approach. Each collection was built around a shared theme, with bottle labels designed to complement one another. These releases included Rare by Nature, Legends Untold and Spirited Xchange. The most recent collection, Horizons Unbound, arrived in 2025 and featured eight single malt whiskies.

Why is Diageo putting the series on hold?

Diageo has said little about why it is temporarily suspending the series. The company is currently undergoing a major restructuring, involving a range of changes and job cuts. It is unclear whether the restructuring is directly responsible for the pause in the Special Releases.

For now, there is no word on when the Special Releases will return. Diageo stresses that this is a pause, not a permanent end to the series. That offers some hope for whisky fans who look forward each year to seeing which special bottles Diageo will bring out from its distilleries.

FAQ

Why is Diageo not releasing Special Releases in 2026?
The exact reason is unclear. It may be related to the company’s restructuring or to changing preferences among whisky fans.
When did Diageo start releasing Special Releases?
The first Special Releases came out in 2001. Since then, the series has grown into an annual tradition featuring distinctive single malt whiskies from various Scottish distilleries.
Will Diageo’s Special Releases return in 2027?
That has not been confirmed. Diageo describes the move as a pause and has not discontinued the series, so a return in 2027 is possible—but not yet confirmed.