Diageo North America edits 2021 Distillers Edition bottlings in the U.S – an annual release of Classic Single Malts,each double-matured in a different type of cask woodchosen carefully by Master Blenders to complement the characteristics of the whisky.

Since 1997, the whiskys have hailed from Scotland’s most iconic distilleries, such as Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Talisker, Oban, Dalwhinnie and Cragganmore, and possess a nuance of flavor endowed by the double maturation process.

Each batch of Distillers Edition undergoes a labor-intensive, rigorous quality control and process before it is bottled. First, special “crocodile skin” charred cask-ends of brand new American Oak are prepared at a leading Scottish cooperage. To make the special casks used for the second maturation, craftsmen there combine these heavily charred new wood cask-ends with re-charred American Oak casks.

The casks are then conditioned with a specially selected fortified wine from Spain; its name and the bodega process involved are both familiar to those who enjoy the finest sherry and port. Each wine is chosen to complement the character of one fine mature single malt and one only.

Meanwhile, the malt to be double-matured is selected. Unusually and to maintain the utmost consistency, this whisky comes from a single year, so each bottle is possessed of subtle characteristics apart from all others. After a month, the special casks, now imbued with character from the wine they have held, are disgorged and refilled with the mature single malt. They are then rested for up to six months, all the while being assessed until the desired flavor profile is reached.

Once achieved, the whisky is bottled in a single batch. All six of the 2021 Distillers Edition bottles are now available in the U.S. wherever fine spirits are sold in time for the holiday season. Distillers Edition bottles are also available for online purchase and home delivery atDrizly.com.

The following six Single Malts are featured in the 2021 Distillers Edition Collection:

2021 Oban Distillers Edition

2007 Oban double-matured in ex-bodega Montilla Fino cask wood for a rich fruitiness and maritime flavors that bond with the fresh, sweet aromas and tastes of the regular release in an explosive, rich and deep expression of Oban. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old ABV: 43% SRP: $99.99.

2021 Talisker Distillers Edition

2011 Talisker double-matured in ex-bodega Amoroso cask wood for rich and fruity sweetness that rounds out the peaty, peppery punch of the malty regular release, to create a richly rewarding and deeper style of malt. Core Offering: Talisker 10 Year Old ABV: 45.8% SRP: $84.99.

2021 Lagavulin Distillers Edition

2006 Lagavulin double-matured in ex-bodega Pedro Ximenez cask wood for an intense, raisiny sweetness that marries beautifully with the smoky power of the regular release to create a massive, rich tasting power-house of a malt. Core Offering: Lagavulin 16 Year Old ABV: 43% SRP: $109.99.

2021 Cragganmore Distillers Edition

2009 Cragganmore double-matured in ex-bodega Port cask wood for succulence and rounded depth of flavor to enhance the complex aromas and tastes of the beloved Cragganmore 12 Year Old. Core Offering: Cragganmore 12 Year Old ABV: 40% SRP: $89.99.

2021 Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition

2006 Dalwhinnie double-matured in ex-bodega Oloroso cask wood for a rich sweetness and spicy complexity to enhance the heathery, honeyed aromas and tastes of the regular release. Core Offering: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old ABV: 43% SRP: $94.99.

2021 Glenkinchie Distillers Edition

2009 Glenkinchie double-matured in ex-bodega Amontillado cask wood for a nuttiness that rounds and deepens the sweet, grassy and dry aromas and tastes of the regular release. Core Offering: Glenkinchie 12 Year Old ABV: 43% SRP: $89.99.