Casks of Distinction

Bringing the Exceptional to Light

Every bonded warehouse in Scotland houses secrets, casks containing whiskies that have been maturing quietly for over twenty years. They may look the same at first glance,
but if you look closer, they have been adorned with a star emblem, branded as the pinnacle of whisky connoisseurship.

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A dimly lit image of mutiple whisky casks maturing

Master Whisky Makers

a close up image of Dr Craig Wilson smelling a neat serve of whisky

The Casks of Distinction master whisky makers have the privilege of seeking them out dedicating more than 4,200 hours of every year to uncovering the gems nestling across the over 50 warehouses of Diageo’s extensive Scottish collection. Their goal is to bring them out from obscurity so each cask can be experienced and celebrated for the qualities that make each distinct.

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Twelve Exceptional Expressions

Introducing, ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction, an unparalleled collection of Scotch whiskies, representing the pinnacle of whisky connoisseurship. A carefully curated selection of twelve of the rarest and most exceptional casks known to our master whisky makers, has been unveiled for the first time as part of a global showcase. Each of the twelve exclusive Scotch whisky casks has been meticulously chosen for its character, offering individuals the opportunity to become part of a storied community of collectors and connoisseurs.

The Branding of a Cask of Distinction

The master whisky makers bring decades of judgement and knowledge to bear as they assess the worthiness of the casks to bear the Cask of Distinction star, recognised by auction houses and whisky connoisseurs alike as a sign of quality and rarity. They convene once a year at the liquid library inside the Diageo Archives to debate and discuss until they unanimously agree.

Royal Lochnagar

All the Casks of Distinction are kept and attended to at the beautiful Royal Lochnagar distillery in Royal Deeside. This presents a unique gathering of casks, chosen from any of Diageo’s distilleries, including Talisker from the Isle of Skye, Speyside’s Mortlach, Caol Ila from Islay, and Clynelish representing the Highlands. There are no limits to the distilleries on offer with rare casks from the dwindling stocks of fabled names like Glenury Royal and Pittyvaich.

Here, Cask of Distinction owners are able to visit their still maturing casks, as well as enjoying exclusive access to private spaces across Diageo’s distilleries and brand homes across Scotland including the private suite at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.

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The Royal Lochnagar distillery from the outside

A Personal Experience

a bottle of rare whisky on top of a cask

Each owner has the freedom to further age their cask for up to five years, can personalise the labels, and can commission one of a roster of artists to transform their cask-end into a work of art, blending patronage with passion, with a precious single malt as the point of inspiration. Unique, remarkable, one-of-a-kind. These casks were made to be known. Thanks to the skill and expertise of the Casks of Distinction master whisky makers, now they can be.

Keep the conversation going.

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