The highly anticipated Diageo 2023 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Collection, ‘Spirited Xchange 2023’, has arrived in Australia.

The collection invites whisky enthusiasts on a trip around the world, with a diverse range of single malt expressions inspired by eight countries across the globe.

Former Diageo Master Blender Stuart Morrison hand selected eight rare and collectable whiskies across a variety of ages and spirit characters. They range from Mortlach Non Age Declared The Katana’s Edge to Glenkinchie 27 Year Old, The Floral
Treasure, one of the most mature bottlings ever released from this renowned Lowland distillery.

Morrison said: “For the Special Releases ‘Spirited Xchange 2023’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, we pay homage to the exchange of ideas, discovery and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it reached new shores and the contemporary resonance it holds today. The finished collection is a testament to each distillery’s rich heritage.”

Diageo National Whisky Ambassador Kate McGraw (above) said: “As the popularity of whisky continues to grow in Australia, Diageo’s Special Releases ‘Spirited Xchange 2023’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection offers an exciting, new way to explore the diversity and depth of Scottish Whisky. This collection looks at whisky through the lens of cultural and flavour collaboration, a unique tasting experience that combines some of the world’s most revered and treasured whisky distilleries with a modern sensibility.”

The Diageo Special Releases ‘Spirited Xchange 2023’ Collection includes:

• Singleton 14 Year Old, The Silk Atelier (France) $170
• Talisker Non Age Declared, The Wild Explorador (Portugal) $170
• Lagavulin 12 Year Old, The Ink of Legends (Mexico) $220
• Mortlach Non Age Declared, The Katana’s Edge (Japan) $399
• Clynelish 10 Year Old, The Jazz Crescendo (USA) $240
• Glenkinchie 27 Year Old, The Floral Treasure (China) $599
• Oban 11 Year Old, The Soul of Calypso (Caribbean) $199
• Roseisle 12 Year Old, The Soaring Kite (North Sea/ Scandinavia) $170

The 2023 ‘Spirited Xchange’ Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection is available in limited quantities from leading retailers and independent bottle shops.

Food pairings that take whisky tasting to the next level

Kate McGraw introduced whisky lovers to the collection during a spectacular tasting event at Eau De Vie Sydney this week.

Each whisky was paired with a delicious morsel created in the Eau De Vie kitchen to complement the spirit’s unique characteristics.

While wine and food pairing is well established, matching whisky with sweet and savoury dishes requires a deft hand, as the spirit has a robust and concentrated flavour profile. The menu at the Diageo tasting struck the perfect balance.

The tasting commenced with an Abrolhos Island scallop, green apple and pickled grape paired with Singleton 14 Year Old.

“The creaminess of the scallop enhances the zippy texture of the whisky, whilst the pickled grape enhances the bright green fruit on both the nose and palate,” McGraw explained.

It was followed by a Bay of Fires cheddar profiterole with honey and pink pepper together with Roseisle 12 Year Old.

“Savoury cheese promotes the heady floral notes found, the honey mimicking the generous mouthfeel of the whisky,” said McGraw.

Divine charred wagyu beef tartare with fennel, brown butter and anchovy was matched with the spectacular Clynelish 10 Year Old.

“The fattiness of the anchovy emulsion enhances the olive-oil like texture of the whisky,” McGraw explained.

A sensational white chocolate macaron with hazelnut and salted caramel was served to be savoured with Glenkinchie 27 Year Old.

“White chocolate brings forward the nougative sweetness of the mid palate, whilst a hint of salt in the caramel balances the gentle oak spice found in the finish,” McGraw said.

King prawn toast with Caribbean spices, pandan and pineapple was a memorable accompaniement to the Oban 11 Year Old.

“The sweetness of the prawn enhances the vibrant tropical fruit notes, pandan emulsion draws out the toasted coconut from the American Oak casks,” McGraw explained.

The Mortlach Non Age Declared was served alongside caramelised butternut pumpkin with brown rice miso and sesame.

“The intricate balance between sweet and savoury is amplified with a miso-cured pumpkin puree, the nuttiness of the sesame allowing the Kanosuke barrels to shine,” McGraw noted.

A tart of Berry’s Creek oak blue cheese, fig, black pepper and tarragon was a melt-in-the-mouth accompaniment to the Talisker Non Age Declared.

“Savoury blue cheese highlights the salinity of the Talisker, whilst the fig enhances the dried fruit that comes from the trio of Port casks,” said McGraw.

And to finish, a 72% chocolate and coffee truffle with raspberry and agave gel was served with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old.

“The intense, dark chocolate highlights the herbaceousness of the whisky, bringing out a dark roasted coffee finish,” said McGraw.

The whisky pairing event was a truly transcendental way to sample the 2023 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Collection and a shining example of how to elevate your spirit sipping experience.

Global accolade for The Whisky List’s Emma Cookson