{"title":"Diageo Special Releases","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"lagavulin-12-year-old-special-release-2023-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml","title":"Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2022 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe King of Islay reborn as a shimmering, flame-garlanded phoenix, fit to power a soaring, deeply smoky expression. An elemental Lagavulin from virgin oak and our smokiest reserves, in which rich, peaty casks lead saltiness, spice and smoke on their eternal dance with deep sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance: \u003c\/strong\u003eGleaming, iridescent gold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, with an immediate powerful smokiness; much more so than is usual with Lagavulin, with charcoal and fragrant peat massively to the fore, backed by a clean fresh base-note that suggests sea air and mineral scents. Much reduced, aromatically, with even a little water, it remains essentially unaltered.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe smooth lightly oily texture shines with sweet richness; the taste is sweet to start, then takes off with a soaring lemony acidity and a sprinkling of sea salt to add freshness. Mid-palate the fire dries the taste, which flies still higher now in its salty-smoky intensity. A dash of water rounds and sweetens but it’s the smoke that dominates.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong, with great waves of peat-smoke, and new- fired heights of spiced and smoky intensity that last wonderfully in the aftertaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Aromas of hot cocoa, grapefruit zest, and rosemary mingle with scents of briny, slightly medicinal ocean breezes. The palate is rich and chocolatey at first, then fills with warm spices — clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom — then flits back to chocolate mixed with golden apple and pear. The flavors continue to undulate on the tongue, leading to a spicy\/fruity finish with rich BBQ-like smokiness.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (92 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lagavulin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45416177860823,"sku":"LAGAVULIN-12-SR-2022","price":179.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-lagavulin-12yo-2022-special-release.jpg?v=1720872530"},{"product_id":"lagavulin-12-year-old-special-release-2023-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml-1","title":"Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2023 'The Ink of Legends' Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroducing Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke honour the ancient art of tattooing, clouds that slowly disperse in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, as smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each work of art is a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history more than 200 years long, our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavours ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amid fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavours. Sweet with juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then ever more herbal and smokier, the flavours deep-etch their impression for a lip-tingling whisky of legends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo a Lagavulin at its most vigorous, delicious to drink and full of distillery character, the tequila finishing casks have brought indelible layers of bright, herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eVery pale and peaty, with lime zest, smoked lemon, green gooseberry, brine, and cooked agave aromas, the smoke and tequila cask notes are well-balanced, sharp, and invigorating. Lime, agave, caramel, and vanilla sweetness, with smoke on the back of the palate, cooked plum fruitiness, and a growing sense of minerality, green herbal notes, and zesty lime. Be generous with the water; this Lagavulin can take it.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Johnny McCormick, Whisky Advocate (93 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRather hated the idea but rather loved the result.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Serge, Whisky Fun (89 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lagavulin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45539957080279,"sku":"LAGAVULIN-12-SR-2023","price":169.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-lagavulin-12yo-special-release-2023.jpg?v=1723527124"},{"product_id":"oban-11-year-old-special-release-2023-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml","title":"Oban 11 Year Old 'The Soul of Calypso' Special Release 2023 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroducing Oban 11 Year Old Special Release 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Vivid energy and a vibrant mix of Caribbean cultures collide in a roar of jubilation, amid a euphoric atmosphere. Bright colours burst forth to the parading beat of steel drums. Celebrating the passionate soul of the Caribbean, spinning Soca dancers lift their faces to the tropical sun, exuberant and radiant in the exotic sea air. Inspired by the merging of rhythms in the beating heart of calypso, our Malt Master finished this lively Oban expression in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks. The vibrant combination evokes unexpected tropical notes of sugar cane and mango, which build on Oban’s own clever fusion of the Highland and Island styles. A glint of gold announces the summer sun while the fresh aroma of a sea breeze, backed by notes of citrus and enhanced by hints of tropical fruit and a dry spiciness, quickly brings the carnival closer. On the palate, an oil-smooth texture is accompanied by a joyously sweet, richly fruity and lightly salty taste that dances across the tongue, finishing with an insistently spicy beat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA bright, lively Oban, retaining the fusion of highland and island styles that defines the distillery character yet skilfully blending in the vivid passions and colours of a rum cask finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"This whisky has a toasty, sweet, and briny characteristic that is so subtle it could almost be accused of being \"sneaky\", with a nose that is somewhat richer than the palate. Aromas of pasty dough mix with cooked pear, salty melted butter, and sweet spices. The palate has a creamy, rich entry echoing many of the same elements as the nose, but has more of a spicy bite that mingles with the butterscotch flavors. The brininess sneaks up again right toward the finish, tingling the back of the throat and cutting the sweetness with a faint puff of herbaceous smoke (like smoked rosemary).\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (94 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oban","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45539966714071,"sku":"OBAN-SPECIAL-RELEASE-2023","price":159.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-oban-11yo-soul-calypso.jpg?v=1723528246"},{"product_id":"talisker-special-release-2023-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml","title":"Talisker 'The Wild Explorador' Special Release 2023 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroducing Talisker Special Release 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - A surge of warmth rises through the current, radiating a sweet, charred undertone. The crash of sea-salt spray against the ship’s bow relights the fire of exploration in determined sailors. Against an unforgiving sea the caravel, an iconic Portuguese sea vessel, forges on, braving harsh elements to reach the farthest corners of the earth. Our Malt Master pays homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships, by finishing this supreme maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny port casks. Reigniting our own passion for exploration, this unusual combination of casks brings uncanny balance to a tumultuous Talisker. Rich bright gold lights the fires of desire, while clear maritime notes of sea air carry hints of oyster shell, salt and sand dune on a spicy and peaty base. Surging through them come rich, sweet hints of white grape, dark fruit and dry tannin. In the mouth, these characters merge as one creamy-smooth richly fruity taste, with waves of saltiness, smoke and spice crashing through the intense finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA full-on Talisker with rich, robust flavours that has gained rounded, fruity notes from subtle finishing, which embrace but do not tame the classic Talisker character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSo, a Talisker for chefs? The ones who always cook with whisky – and sometimes even add some to the food? It's very, very good, I don't think the Port has softened it too much.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Serge, Whisky Fun (88 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The nose is like orchard fruits—pears, apples, peaches, cherries—cooking on a charcoal barbecue by the seaside. There's lots going on palatewise, with briny, sweet aromas of burning rosehip tea leaves, burning rosemary, dates, figs, tonka bean, dried cherry, nutmeg, and dark chocolate. The finish has a clove-studded smoked ham-like note, tying up this fruity, floral, spicy, uniquely expressive dram.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (96 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFinished in a combination of white, tawny, and ruby port casks. The white port is noticeable first, soaking up the saltiness of seashell-decorated sandcastles and spices to leave a dry crisp nose, with later floral and fruity notes joining a peaty tang of green herbal and oily fish aromas. Red apple, cherry, cranberry, raspberry, and morello cherry flavors become dry and mouth-drawing before breaking into salted caramel creaminess with banoffee pie and a forceful spicy finish.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Johnny McCormick, Whisky Advocate (91 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Talisker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45539976642775,"sku":"TALISKER-SPECIAL-RELEASE-2023","price":139.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-talisker-special-release-2023.jpg?v=1723528848"},{"product_id":"roseisle-12-year-old-special-release-2023-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml","title":"Roseisle 12 Year Old 'The Origami Kite' Special Release 2023 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroducing the Roseisle 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) - an exquisite expression known as \"The Origami Kite,\" soaring with captivating flavours and a rich, profound character. Dark molasses smoothly sails as sticky stewed fruits and vanilla cream emerge, unfurling an expression that elevates the senses to new heights. Crafted from first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks, this whisky embodies a horizon that dissolves into a rich palette of deep burgundy and shades of dark plum, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for the elegant kite that twists and turns on its magical journey. Drawing inspiration from the centuries-old craft of origami, the immaculate folds of delicate paper ride the wind towards the clouds, embodying wonder and simplicity. At Roseisle distillery, whisky making is a masterful merging of simple elements to create a stunning single malt that soars with profound flavours. Sweet vanilla smoothly sails through this lofty expression, accompanied by deep, luscious flavour notes of rich, sticky stewed fruits, creating a symphony of taste and aroma. The aroma of this exceptional whisky is lush and mellow, with hints of vanilla and ripe fruit, intertwined with notes of white chocolate. Smoothly creamy in texture, the taste unfolds with richness and sweetness, interwoven with rising notes of fruit and spiciness that bring a warm complexity to lift the taste toward the rich, long finish. The Roseisle 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Special Release 2023 invites whisky enthusiasts to embark on a sensory journey that parallels the artistry of origami, delivering a whisky experience that soars with elegance, complexity and profound flavors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eClear and harvest gold.​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the mellow nose, the overall impression is ‘lush', which is to say rich in promise, with the light sweetness of vanilla, a touch of molasses and some cereal, yet also complex and well-integrated, with fruity and nutty notes to explore. The top notes suggest a light vanilla sponge with butter icing; this aroma increases in the development; hints of ripe peach and white chocolate lie beneath. All of these notes are subtle and reserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmoothly creamy in texture and sweet to taste, with vanilla icing, before a spicier complexity brings balancing richness. There are more notes of vanilla midpalate, soaring above a deep fruitiness, and the sweetness lasts throughout. Very appealing to drink, both straight and with a dash of water, which softens and sweetens it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong, finishing richly sweet and lightly spicy, with a touch of white pepper. A dash of water enhances the sweetness.​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis first single malt release from Roseisle has a nose of orchard and citrus fruit, with kumquat, lime, banana leaf, nectarine, red apple, and jasmine, with a touch of white pepper and vanilla oak. Buttery and fruity on the palate, with green apple, orange, lime, and plenty of spice, settling to apple, marshmallow, cotton candy, and background spices. Residual fruit, spice, and a touch of creaminess on the finish.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Jonny McCormick, Whisky Advocate (89 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roseisle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45539990634711,"sku":"ROSEISLE-SPECIAL-RELEASE-2023","price":134.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-roseisle-12yo-special-release.jpg?v=1723529863"},{"product_id":"lagavulin-12-year-old-special-release-2022-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml-bonus-miniature-200ml","title":"Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2022 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL + Bonus Miniature 200mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComes with bonus 200ml (valued at $80.00)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe King of Islay reborn as a shimmering, flame-garlanded phoenix, fit to power a soaring, deeply smoky expression. An elemental Lagavulin from virgin oak and our smokiest reserves, in which rich, peaty casks lead saltiness, spice and smoke on their eternal dance with deep sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance: \u003c\/strong\u003eGleaming, iridescent gold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, with an immediate powerful smokiness; much more so than is usual with Lagavulin, with charcoal and fragrant peat massively to the fore, backed by a clean fresh base-note that suggests sea air and mineral scents. Much reduced, aromatically, with even a little water, it remains essentially unaltered.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe smooth lightly oily texture shines with sweet richness; the taste is sweet to start, then takes off with a soaring lemony acidity and a sprinkling of sea salt to add freshness. Mid-palate the fire dries the taste, which flies still higher now in its salty-smoky intensity. A dash of water rounds and sweetens but it’s the smoke that dominates.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong, with great waves of peat-smoke, and new- fired heights of spiced and smoky intensity that last wonderfully in the aftertaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Aromas of hot cocoa, grapefruit zest, and rosemary mingle with scents of briny, slightly medicinal ocean breezes. The palate is rich and chocolatey at first, then fills with warm spices — clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom — then flits back to chocolate mixed with golden apple and pear. The flavors continue to undulate on the tongue, leading to a spicy\/fruity finish with rich BBQ-like smokiness.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (92 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lagavulin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45856360104151,"sku":"LAGAVULIN-12-SR-2022-200ML","price":149.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-lagavulin-special-release-2022-200ml.jpg?v=1731908724"}],"url":"https:\/\/thedrinksociety.sg\/collections\/diageo-special-releases.oembed","provider":"The Drink Society","version":"1.0","type":"link"}