Diageo Rare & Exceptional Presents: Rare Series

DIAGEO RARE & EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTS

RARE SERIES:

A NEW AND EVOLVING WHISKY COLLECTION OF IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE, UNEARTHING SCATTERED TREASURES OF SCOTLAND

Featuring five ultra-aged releases, the first collection will be unveiled through a global program of tastings and available exclusively through Diageo’s Private Client network.

New York, Thursday, April 30, 2026 - Today marks the unveiling of Rare Series, a new collection of distinguished Scotch Whiskies from Diageo Rare & Exceptional, celebrating Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. The first chapter of the series opens with five ultra-rare whiskies from iconic locations, notably a 55-Year-Old from ghost distillery Glenury Royal, the oldest Single Malt ever released by Diageo, alongside limited releases from Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol. Crafted by original distillers and their successors, each whisky is a precise expression of its distillery’s singular character.

Drawn from the most remarkable whiskies within Diageo’s reserves, which include more than 10 million casks and over 30 distilleries, Rare Series is a prestigious, evolving collection. It invites connoisseurs on a journey across Scotland’s whisky regions, from the Highland heartlands and the rugged northern coast to the windswept shores of Islay and the Isle of Skye.

“It is a privilege to unearth the exceptional Scotch Whiskies in Rare Series, a collection celebrating the remarkable breadth of Scotland’s scattered whisky treasures,” said Diageo Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson. “From the experimental richness of Talisker 1992 Rare Series to the historic Glenury Royal, which has been aged for over half a century, and a Clynelish which embodies the distillery’s signature waxy character, each expression showcases rarity, diversity, and meticulous craftsmanship. We look forward to seeing the series evolve with future additions to come.”

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series, a rare survivor from the long-lost ghost distillery, which closed its Highland doors in 1985, is a 55-Year-Old Single Malt matured in American oak hogsheads and married in European oak puncheons, revealing a whisky of supreme majesty.

Talisker 1992 Rare Series is defined by an exceptionally long finish. A 33-Year-Old whisky of profound richness finished for over 20 years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads, this is the only expression drawn from an experimental batch.

Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series is the oldest Caol Ila the distillery has ever released, at 42-Years-Old, matured in American oak casks then married in European oak puncheons, delivering a rounded, powerful yet lyrical flavor that balances intensity with elegance.

Clynelish 1983 Rare Series, a historic small batch 42-Year-Old Single Malt, was matured in American oak hogsheads, showcasing the Highland distillery’s supreme elegance and signature waxy character with fragrant top notes of lavender and rose.

Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series is a remarkable 34-Year-Old whisky of robust depth and richness, the first of its kind to be matured in ex-Sherry European oak casks and finished in sweet Pedro Ximenez–seasoned new American oak hogsheads, creating a bold yet beautifully layered expression.

Rare Series will be available exclusively via global registration starting Thursday, April 30, with Diageo’s Private Client teams, who act as trusted stewards to their most extraordinary whiskies. These specialists offer access to these precious gems and welcome clients into a highly curated world of experiences, from private tastings to immersive journeys throughout Scotland.

In the U.S., Diageo Rare & Exceptional will introduce Rare Series through a program of invitation-only experiences within its Private Client network, beginning with a curated trackside villa at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix from May 1–3, 2026. Additional private tastings will follow in select cities across the U.S.

“With Rare Series, we’re introducing whiskies that have been shaped over decades and presenting them with the context they deserve, allowing for a deeper understanding of how time, cask, and region have influenced their character—a celebration of the scattered treasures of Scotland,” said Morgane Gaubier, Director of Luxury for Diageo North America. “Through a global program of curated tastings, Private Clients and collectors can experience each release with greater clarity and gain insight into the decisions that define them.”

Future Rare Series releases will be unveiled only when these whiskies reveal their finest character, as determined by Diageo’s Master Blenders, with Private Clients offered exclusive first access.