Near the end of each year, for the single-malt gifting season, Diageo unveils their Special Releases -- "a small and highly desirable collection of limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies."

We cracked open all seven of the USA Special Releases, not without a little bit of cynicism. After all, we're typically intent on tasting more off-the-beaten-path scotches that are, shall we snobbishly say, less "promoted." 

Well, I'm (Adam) happy to admit the consensus was that these are, by and large, very good and tasty malts. Sure, the prices could be better, but such are the times. Hmm, perhaps Diageo knows what they're doing... I predict success for this fledgling company!

As a shocker, most-enjoyed was the Glenkinchie 20-year-old. Most-talked-about (and similarly very much enjoyed) was by far the Glen Spey, which presented unusual flavors usually found in bourbons and ryes -- so much so that we're nearly certain there's something extra-unusual about the woods used on this one. If you've got info plese let us know; inquiries are out to Diageo.

Auchroisk 20

Talisker 30

Glen Spey 21

Glenkinchie 20

Caol Ila 12 "Unpeated Style"

Lagavulin 12

Cragganmore 21

Then to finish things up, we continued the Diageo theme with The Directors' Blend -- a special private bottling for Diageo staff in 2005, which contains all of Diageo's scotch distilleries from the time (27 single malts + 2 grain). Finally, we had something to thumb our noses at! Okay, it wasn't terrible, it was a blend, it was special and fun to try, and it was at the end of a long night. Or uh, halfway actually... but that's another story.