A Place to Start
Approaching your first collection
For those who enjoy tasting different drams, the dream of having a collection to share is compelling. But knowing which bottles to begin with can feel a little daunting
The key things I try to keep in mind are a whisky’s rarity, its story, and most importantly, its taste.Join Ewan Gunn, Diageo’s Global Luxury Brand Ambassador in our video series as he explores his favourite selection of exceptional single malts.
The First Collection
“It is the personal element that makes building a Scotch collection such a unique experience, no collection will be the same, what draws you to a particular bottle, will be different for someone else.”
Ewan Gunn
Talisker 25 Year Old
Introducing Talisker 25 — a single malt Scotch Whisky from Talisker Distillery, matured in American oak Hogsheads hacking from the majestic Isle of Skye.
Talisker is known for being made by the sea, and this high-aged expression still carries some wonderful maritime character.
Dalwhinnie 30 Year Old
Dalwhinnie 30 is a rare release with only 6,978 made available, this expression matured for 30 years in refill hogshead cask before being bottled.
I think the three decades of maturation has brought an elegance to the vibrant character of Dalwhinnie.
Johnnie Walker King George V
Enter King George V. Made up of hand-selected pre-casks of whiskies from distilleries that were in existence during King George V’s reign. This was selected for being a rare combination of exquisite Scotch whiskies, including from the now silent distillery of Port Ellen.
Mortlach 20 Year Old
Savour Mortlach 20 - The Beast of Dufftown, this is an expression matured for twenty years exclusively in sherry casks. As bold as it can get, this is a notable piece to start your whisky collection, and the whisky to order when out to impress. It is a rich and robust Single Malt Scotch Whisky that revelas new depths in every sip.
Lagavulin 2020 Distiller’s Edition
Harking back from Islay, Lagavulin 2020 Distillers Edition.A scotch whisky with a real sense of place. Rarity can come from the way a whisky is matured – like the Lagavulin Distillers Edition, double matured in Pedro Ximenez casks. For the full experience you'd want to be sipping this whilst breathing in the fresh air of Lagavulin Bay, but its a lovely dram wherever you might be.
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old
This elusive 1989 Pittyvaich, from the last remaining stocks, is the first-ever to be finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
Pittyvaich is a ghost distillery that will never produce whisky again, only operating for 18 years back from the late 70s to early 90s.
With only 7,056 bottles, this rare release is a distinguished addition to your first collection.
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