A little later than usual, here are the first previews of Diageo’s (ever less) eagerly awaited Special Releases for 2025.
Eight bottlings under the Horizons Unbound label, featuring distilleries presenting unusual maturations.
Clynelish 18yo
Unspecified refill casks
51.6%ABV
The distinctive feature of this bottling lies in a special distillation process with a different cut than usual.
Dailuaine 21yo
Ex sherry casks
54.3%ABV
One of this year’s new entry, like last year’s Benrinnes, sees the distillery return to the series after its only appearance in 2015 (with a 34-year-old), fully matured in Spanish casks.
Lagavulin 12yo
Refill casks, PX and Sherry Oloroso seasoned European casks
56.5%ABV
After the classic ex-bourbon, another maturation without too many frills.
Oban 12yo
Ex Bourbon casks
54.7%ABV
A classic bottling that couldn’t be more classic, in fact identical to the basic one but two years younger.
Roseisle 14yo
Refill and rejuvinated casks
55.9%ABV
A two-year leap in age for Diageo’s all-round distillery, finally with an ageing process that differs from the previous two but is rather obscure in its description.
The Singleton of Glen Ord 17yo
Finished in ex Mezcal and second fill ex Sherry casks
55.5%ABV
Another staple of the series, which after playing with lids in 2024, this year throws Mezcal into the mix to give itself some posh.
Talisker 14yo
Finished in American oak casks toasted by the heat of volcanic rocks from Skye.
53.9%ABV
After last year’s gobbledygook of casks shaved with rocks and water, Talisker is back with toasting by heating volcanic rocks.
The casks with the rocks left inside to mature are ready for 2026.
Teaninch 8yo
Single grain, ex-Bourbon
60.3%ABV
Second new entry for 2025, a first time for the distillery (a rye whisky, to be precise), a truly curious choice.
