Diageo launches a new luxury whisky collection, headlined by its oldest bottling ever

Saturday, 02 May 2026 at 11:20

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Diageo is launching a brand-new whisky collection packed with rarities: the Rare Series. The debut release features five old and limited single malts from different regions. The showstopper is an exceptionally old whisky and a milestone for Diageo. The Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series, at 55 years old, is the oldest whisky Diageo has ever bottled.

According to Diageo, the Rare Series is all about provenance, craftsmanship, and patience: the whiskies in the range are only bottled when the master blenders deem their maturation to be at its peak. Unsurprisingly, each release in this first wave has reached an impressive age.

Which whiskies are in the Diageo Rare Series?

The series comprises five bottles, listed below.

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series
Talisker 1992 Rare Series
Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series
Clynelish 1983 Rare Series
Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series

The highlight of this first release is the Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series, a 55-year-old whisky from a now-closed distillery. It is the oldest whisky Diageo has ever released. The series also includes rare expressions from Talisker and notably mature Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol bottlings. Prices for these exclusive single malts vary widely, from around £800 to over £5,700.

What’s more, the bottles are available exclusively to Diageo’s Private Client customers. But how do they taste?

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How do the Diageo Rare Series whiskies taste?

Below, we outline each of the five whiskies with tasting notes and key details.

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series

Nose: Subtle and reserved, with dry fruit notes of apple and pear, supported by a gentle wisp of smoke.
Palate: Creamy and soft, lightly sweet with a fresh note that drifts towards gooseberry.
Finish: Long, drying, and spicy, with lingering smoky nuances.

Bottled at 62.4% ABV, limited to 232 bottles. Priced at £5,700 per bottle.

Talisker 1992 Rare Series

Nose: maritime, with sea salt and seaweed, rounded by sweeter fruitcake notes
Palate: rich, sweet, and oily, with powerful coastal influences of salt, smoke, and pepper
Finish: long and spicy, with a distinct peppery kick

Bottled at 60.1% ABV, priced at £1,200 per bottle. A total of 331 bottles were released.

Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series

Nose: gently smoky and slightly meaty, with hints of cream cheese and fresh dairy notes
Palate: opens sweet and fruity, evolving into briny and lightly drying with smoky spice
Finish: sweet and smoky, with a tingling sensation on the tongue

Bottled at 56.4% ABV, limited to 318 bottles. Priced at £2,700 per bottle.

Clynelish 1983 Rare Series

Nose: elegant and floral with lavender and rose petals, carried by a signature waxy core
Palate: creamy and supple with that hallmark waxy texture; initially sweet and floral, then lightly briny and spicy
Finish: long, with a lively touch of white pepper

Bottled at 49.5% ABV. Only 160 bottles are available, priced at £3,600 each.

Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series

Nose: gentle notes of dark-roast espresso, dark chocolate, raisins, and a hint of hazelnut
Palate: full and rounded, robust yet surprisingly sweet, with a gradually drying spice
Finish: very long and spicy, with an aftertaste of dark chocolate