New Diageo Special Releases for 2023: New Whiskies From Lagavulin, Talisker, Oban and More!

[@pepebruno1672]

Nice intel gathering! Well done! Keep up the great videos!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Pepe! When I found these I couldn't resist having a take. I'll do my best to keep it up! Cheers 🥃

[@JoelKorytko]

Thanks! Really helpful as usual. I fell to the Diageo charm yesterday and bought a Lag Distiller's Edition for an upcoming bachelor party. My buddy likes Lag! Don't shoot me!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Honestly you did the right thing. If your buddy really enjoys Lagavulin he will be very happy with a Lagavulin and PX combo. Peat and Sherry is a winning combo. I've had the distillers edition and it is good but for the premium price. I certainly wouldn't turn away a glass and I'd even consider buying it at a good price. Enjoy the bachelor party! Cheers 🥃

[@flickofthewrist6279]

I just found your channel and appreciate your knowledge on Scotch Whisky. As a newbie to the Scotch world this is just the type of information I am looking for. You Rock!!!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks for the kind words flick of the wrist! Glad to hear the video was helpful. Any questions just let me know! I've been slow at comments this week but will always answer. Cheers 🥃

[@kevinnordby4808]

Thanks Matt! Great information on Roseisle, that does look like the one to watch for.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Kevin! It certainly caught my eye. All but the Talisker released today in Alberta. The Roseisle around $183CAD. Cheers 🥃

[@Watchman999]

Hey Matt. I have the Talisker 8 rum bottling you have and I have refused to put any money down for the Special Releases since then. They are out of my price range and I’m pretty peeved with Diageo narcissism these days. I am substantially reducing my purchasing in general unless it is Craigellachie 13 or Springbank 10. :) cheers bud.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I see we're on the same wavelength with Diageo. I remember that Talisker 8 Rum Cask running $130 in 2020. The NAS is now $200! And they wonder why we are leaving these bottles on the shelf? You're wise to reduce your purchasing to that intersection of quality and value, conditions are shaping up for another "whisky loch." That KWM Single Cask Loch Lomond though... Cheers buddy 🥃

[@andrewbutler7681]

I haven't bought any since the 2019 Special Releases, but I am willing to give them a chance if I can try before I buy...

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Some of those 2019's were really great, in particular I really enjoyed the Talisker 15. 100% agree with you on being open to these as long as I can try them too. There are too many questions to buy on good faith that these will be good. Cheers Andrew 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Fun breakdown, buddy! Another year of cynically trash-talking Diageo and this series until I eventually break down and buy the Oban. Again. 🥃

[@pepebruno1672]

It will make for a great rant… ! 😂 🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks man! You provide the cynical trash-talking we need, not the cynical trash talking we deserve because we all keep buying these haha. Can't wait for the coming break down and review of the Oban Rum cask! 😂 I still might break down and buy the Talisker 11 on sale because evidently I am part of the problem. Cheers man 🥃

[@justwhisky]

Honestly there are no 2023 that really intrigues me except the Talisker and Clynelish depending on price which I expect to be not justified. Whisky is becoming more and more a rich man’s game. Cheers 🥃 Well presented!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

It seems we are all being priced out of the whisky market. I know you listen to Jason and Joshua and from what they've covered in the last year regarding whisky sales, exports, cask schemes and otherwise I could see us heading for another "whisky loch" if India's tariffs stay up and China's economy continues to slow down with the rest of us. Maybe in 5 years we see a correction. Cheers John 🥃

[@justwhisky]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast you have your finger on the pulse for sure

[@Oooooo-xi2mx]

Wow, the 2023 Clynelish 10 Yr “The Jazz Crescendo” has an MSRP of US$200. Who is going to buy that?

[@customer9845]

Prices in Canada are pretty high. I picked up the 12 Clynelish 2022 special release 4 weeks ago for $192 USD ($259 CAD) for my birthday. I have loved Clynelish ever since I visited their distillery. I get most of my Clynelish IB from SMWS (distillery 26).

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

One of the SMWS bottlings I tried at the Vaults in Edinburgh was a 10 Year old Ex-Bourbon distillery 26. Was fantastic. You're correct, prices are high in Canada. Still, even at Canadian prices I can get 2.5-3 bottles of Clynelish 14 for the price of the 2023 10 year. Not worth it for me. Cheers eh! 🥃

[@ironmantran]

Bucketloads of last yr 2022 specials went on sale in Ontario, alongside many over-priced Diego : peeps finally woke up and decline / refuse to buy high . . . sales ! just in time for year end celebration . . . great vid ! "Port Rhee" Talisker . . . yes, I look forward to Dec 2024 for sale of these bottles. - - that CLynelish10 expected 250-320$CA

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I saw that when a bunch of people started asking about them again online. Sqw some decent prices on the Oban and Talisker. Glad these bottles sat for so long. Happy discount hunting in 2024! Cheers buddy 🥃

[@McIntyresMalts]

I think it's neat that they are trying a whole lot of different casks in the sense that these actually feel unique and deserving of the name "special release"

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

It is nice that they are trying a bunch of different casks and including a brand new distillery too! And to give them some extra credit here the prices so far are lower than last year as far as I can tell. The Glenkinchie 27 Year is under $500 CAD and the Lagavulin 12 went down a few dollars. Still, I want to try these before purchasing. Cheers Wade 🥃

[@nickparilac372]

The Glenkinchie came out in Ontariariario at $497.50..😦 Lagavulin in tequila barrels, sounds intriguing

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yikes! Prices are getting to be just too much. It really starts to take the fun out of it when it gets out of hand. It seems the special releases have been going on sale in many markets, hope the same happens for you in Ontario. Cheers Nick! 🥃

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

This is the first I have heard of the special releases, so thanks! I’m with you on the Clynelish. I really wanted the 2022 but didn’t want to give Diageo the satisfaction of being able to charge that much 😅 If the 10 is sub $250 I may go for it just because it’s very hard to find any IB Clynelish these days. Great video! Cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Didn't want to give Diageo the satisfaction 😂 Yeah that Clynelish 12 sounded great, but over $300 was beyond excessive. IB Clynelish does seem to be drying up. Did you ever try the KWM Boutique-y 20 year Clynelish? Cheers 🥃

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast I haven’t, no. I keep seeing it at the shop. I had a few of their bottles in a holiday calendar one year and wasn’t impressed with any of them, so I am a little hesitant to buy anything.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I picked it up in the KWM sale, unopened as of yet. I had an entire 12 bottle calender that I haven't finished because the first 8 were so meh. I have had good bottles from them though so I took a risk on it. We'll see.

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

I am out off them. So many others to buy. The price came in at $245 pre tax so I have a decision to make!… I’ll wait for some reviews 😅 Cheers!

[@timloucks4325]

I’ve only ever tried a few Diageo core releases (Oban 14, Clynelish 14, Lagavulin 16). I would love to taste a cask strength Lagavulin, but the price of admission is far too high. There’s plenty of other good whisky worth seeking. Cheers & thanks for the info.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yeah, at the right price some of these could be decent. But there are so few bottles from Diageo we can say these days come at the "right price." Though if they sell I suppose the right price may be higher than we're willing to pay. Lag 12 CS is typically great, but my last bottle was $160CAD, and last years was sold higher than $260 many place. That's too much. Cheers Tim 🥃

[@jamieson009]

Great video. Definitely some interesting releases, but like you say, with these prices I’m likely looking elsewhere on the shelf. Not that these are on the shelf for long. They still tend to fly off the shelf in Ontario even at high prices.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks! The marketing departments sure do know how to motivate people to pick these up. Hell, I'm tempted to do so as well, but reason usually wins out and see's that the value usually isn't there. Cheers 🥃

[@jamieson009]

That’s exactly the issue. The value and quality of the whisky just doesn’t match the price. It is some good marketing though. I agree with you there. It’s hard not to get curious about cask strength releases from these distilleries.

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

I'm watching this after the price releases and unless they add a crazy amount of tax in Canada, a direct exchange would put the Glenkinchie around 550 CAD :) Tempting you aside I agree that Roseisle is the one I'm most excited about and hopefully we'll be able to try some. The Mortlach 13 from 2022 was a fantastic dram and would remain for the foreseeable future the last SR bottle I'd buy. Cheers Matt, great video 🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks, eh! The Glenkinchie did release at a reasonable price here in Canada! Sub $500 in Alberta. The Clynelish 10 however was not well priced at $250. I'm looking for a sample of the Roseisle, I hope you can get one too! I don't trust these releases blind anymore so I want to try before I buy. Cheers Sertug 🥃

[@Tantrum777]

I hope prices will be better this year but I doubt that they will be.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

So I'm mildly surprised. I saw the release prices for these in Alberta a couple days ago, and they actually seemed better than last year. The 27 Year Glenkinchie was under $500 CAD, the Lagavulin 12 actually went down and the Roseisle was under $200CAD which isn't great but not horrible for a first release. The Clynelish was $250 which seems ridiculous for a 10 Year but you can't win them all. Cheers Tantrum 🥃

[@WhiskyHeathens]

I was actually surprised with the cost of the 27 Year Old, I was lucky and snagged one for under $400 Canadian, will likely let it sit in the bunker for a few years. I did grab the Roseisle too but it was a little disappointed in the cost. Hit me up if you want me to send off a sample of the Roseisle - Josh

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I was shocked to the price at $427 alot of places, even before 15% off discounts. Great value under $400. Kudos to Diageo for that price. That would have been the first bottle I grabbed if I had the cash for it followed by the Roseisle 12. A maiden release of a distillery that is getting pretty decent reviews! You've done well! Thanks for the offer of the sample, that's super kind. I remember seeing your Lagavulin Offerman video wondering how many bottles of that you picked up, haha. Great stuff. Nice to have a strong community of Canadian Whisky lovers and thanks for sharing your Albertan whisky spoils with the rest of us poor unfortunate souls lol. Thanks for checking out the video! Cheers 🥃

[@hamo4558]

That Glenkinchie has sparked my interest, I loved the standard 12 year, but the price for 27 yo take's me out. I'll be keeping an eye out for the Clynelish & Roseisle, hopefully reasonably priced. I still stock and really enjoy the Flora & fauna, and would love to see the Roseisle F&F version.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks for the comment! I hope they do as you've suggested and release a Flora and Fauna Roseisle as the price on the 12 year old is still pretty high. None of these will be blind buys for me, I'll hope to be wowed by a sample but otherwise they can all sit on the shelf at the store. Cheers 🥃

[@saschaoswald480]

I look forward to once again giving Diageo the finger and leaving these to rot on the shelf. Still hundreds of each of the 2022 releases available in Ontario.... It will be in interesting to see the pricing for the 2023's that's for sure!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Haha, I love that! Yeah, We've got 2022's still on the shelf here in B.C. too. As for pricing, $200 for NAS Talisker is a troubling start! Cheers Sascha 🥃

[@Watchman999]

Clynelish 10 for $250? Wait while I lay down and start rolling around and laughing.

[@Watchman999]

Also Talisker isn’t available here

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

lol! I saw the prices on the CC email and had a good laugh too. My Clynelish 8 cost $70. I'm wondering what they're doing with the other $180. lol. I'm guessing the Talisker NAS will be late. That one ran $200 in the B.C. advertisement so yeah...

[@steveno7058]

I bought Laga 12. My conclusion is the value just isn’t there

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Sorry to hear that, though that's been my read on it the last couple years too. My last Lag 12 cost $160CAD. An increase of $100 in 3 years is a bit much. Cheers Steve 🥃

[@Hexagonal_Crank]

Yeah. I picked up a bottle of the Lagavulin and the Talisker from last year, whereas in previous years I'd pick up two bottles of whatever would sounded interesting. Diageo has priced itself out of my interest for what they're putting out.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

You probably picked up the two best releases of the line in 2022. I enjoyed a sample I had of the Talisker 11. I think the interesting part for Diageo is they've priced people out almost to the point where we are starting not to care. It's not people disliking the whisky that is the big problem, it's the apathy caused by ridiculous prices that should start to worry Diageo over time. Cheers Hex 🥃

[@cookieMonsterSincho]

Diageo really ? Trying to stay away from those guys there are so much selection now.. never the less great review !

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I know right? Saying Diageo feels like saying a 4 letter word these days. I'd say you're on a good track staying away at most of these prices. Cheers 🥃

[@sandymacdonald8485]

I got suckered in at Talisker Distillery and bought the 8 2020 release for £80 about 2/3 yrs ago but won't be buying anymore not so special releases.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I feel like 2020 was the last straw for a lot of us with the "special" releases. Best to do exactly as you suggested and leave these for others, it really is the safest route. Cheers Sandy 🥃

[@petevj]

Never judge a whisky by the label. Unless you need content for KZbin 🤣

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Hey, thanks for watching Pete, and I agree with your statement. I don't agree with your implied assertion that I "judged" these whiskies by the label however. I presented them with the information they provided on the labels seeing as these hadn't been officially announced yet. It was based on the age of the whisky(or lack there of), the cask type used, ABV, rarity of distillery, and past performance of these releases plus typical prices. Further to that, I didn't "judge" them and made it clear the whiskies could entirely prove my doubts, or excitement, wrong. I didn't say any were good or bad whiskies, just gave my thoughts on the info we had available. It's all speculation until these things come out and are opened. Sadly, in my market, most don't get the luxury to try these whiskies. We kinda have to either buy them or accept they will sell out before we can. So we have to assess whether we should take the risk by the information we have available to us in the moment, hence this video. Cheers 🥃

[@petevj]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast I like your review videos, I don't always agree but that doesn't matter, it's nice to hear your opinions and notes. I'm a grown up, I can skip Ralfy Rants or history lessons, those are interesting to others. This one looked like a review but then wasn't. Looking forward to your next review, cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

If we all agreed Pete things would get boring pretty quickly wouldn't they 🤣 I saw that these were officially put on a preview sale by Diageo today so we should see some reviews of these coming out soon. If I get my hands on any I'll be sure to post reviews. Hoping a few of these could be decent. Cheers 🥃

[@mendipfox1650]

These Diageo special releases are priced comically these days. Absolute non starters unless your picking up at auction for 60% rrp

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Haha, oh man. The last editions are still sitting on shelves here so seeing them at auction makes me chuckle. Just a couple days ago, I saw the releases prices on these 2023's and they are not as bad as expected. The Glenkinchie is under $500 CAD an the Lagavulin 12 CS seems to have gone down. But then I saw the 10 Year Clynelish for $250 and knew that Diageo hadn't changed completely. Cheers Mendip 🥃