Diageo Unveils 2026 The Twelve Cask Releases

Casks of Distinction Features 12 Scotch Single Casks Spanning High Age Statements and Unique Maturation

Diageo has announced the launch of the 2026 "The Twelve" by Casks of Distinction series, presenting 12 individually selected single cask Scotch whiskies. Initiated in 2023, this year's lineup showcases distilleries such as Islay's Lagavulin, Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Glen Ord, and Linkwood.

Key Highlight: The Oldest Lagavulin 1991 Single Cask in Programme History

The focal point this year is the oldest Lagavulin single malt whisky ever featured in the programme—Lagavulin 1991 Cask #1069, bottled at 57.6% ABV with an estimated yield of just 125 bottles. Initially matured in refill European and American oak, it was subsequently finished for nearly 20 years in a Pedro Ximénez (PX) seasoned American oak hogshead. Amid its signature Islay peat and maritime smoke, it reveals complex layers of dried fruit, liquorice, and charred oak. Future cask owners may continue maturing it for up to 5 years at Royal Lochnagar under the guidance of the whisky maker, taking it towards a 40-year maturation milestone.

High Age Statements and Innovative Cask Finishes

The oldest release in the collection is the nearly 50-year-old Talisker 1978 Cask #2824 (49.9% ABV, estimated 131 bottles). Other venerable casks include Caol Ila 1984 Cask #5772 matured for over 30 years (51.2% ABV, 470 bottles), the waxy Clynelish 1990 Cask #4514 (52.3% ABV, 410 bottles), Cragganmore 1989 Cask #2503 (50.8% ABV, 110 bottles), and Glen Ord 1987 Cask #3351 (45.1% ABV, 146 bottles).

The finished and experimental cask selection features the PX-seasoned Caol Ila 1991 Cask #1010 (55.8% ABV, 257 bottles), Linkwood 1993 Cask #13 matured in toasted new American oak (50.4% ABV, 180 bottles), closed Lowland grain distillery Port Dundas 1991 Cask #1005 (48.0% ABV, 243 bottles), Moscatel-finished Glenkinchie 1991 Cask #1017 (52.7% ABV, 245 bottles), Amoroso-finished Talisker 1992 Cask #3228 (60.8% ABV, 126 bottles), and first-fill European oak sherry cask-matured Blair Athol 1997 Cask #1491 (57.1% ABV, 305 bottles).

Lagavulin Master Blender Stuart Morrison noted that this single cask, aged over 35 years, exhibits remarkable vitality, with the PX oak bringing profound depth while preserving the distillery's core character. Tod Bradbury, Private Client Director at Justerini & Brooks, highlighted that this annual release has become an essential gathering for global collectors to connect and share.

Diageo's Casks of Distinction initiative involves the master blending team spending over 4,200 hours annually handpicking casks from over 10 million resting barrels across nearly 40 Scottish distilleries, providing private clients with bespoke bottling, VIP distillery experiences, and extended maturation opportunities.

📅 Release Date: 2026-09-29

🔗 Source: The Whisky Wire