In 2024, Diageo released the second iteration of its “Spirited Xchange” collection. Master blender Stuart Morrison crafted eight unique single malt cask-finished whiskies — a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and flavor innovation. This year’s releases come from Lagavulin, Oban, Mortlach, Talisker, The Singleton, Benrinnes, Roseisle, and Caol Ila.
Oban Coastal Orchard — 10 Year | 58% ABV
Finished in Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks.
Nose: Oloroso influence immediately present — rice wine vinegar, biscotti, vanilla foam, subtle salinity
Palate: Starts hot from ABV, leads to warm salt water, vanilla fudge, saffron, stewed cherries
Mortlach Midnight Dusk
Finished in Ramandolo (sweet Italian white wine) and Sangiovese wine casks.
Nose: Kabayaki sauce — sweet and salty balance, subtle oak and charcoal
Palate: Apples and honey, vanilla, caramel, milk chocolate, oak — the sweet wine amplifies without overpowering
The Singleton Autumn Walk
Finished in ex-bourbon, rejuvenated ex-wine, refill, European Oak and Pyrenean oak cask-ends.
Nose: Fresh honey, molasses, subtle florality
Palate: Fruity, floral, oaky — hints of honey, vanilla, dark chocolate
Benrinnes Grand Crescendo — 21 Year
Finished in American Oak wine casks, European Oak casks, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends.
Nose: Earthy, bacon, fresh garlic, olive oil, rosewater
Palate: Freshly baked cherry pie — sweet with slight tartness, soft smoke on the back palate, biscuity
Roseisle Origami Kite 2
Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks.
Nose: Extremely soft — honey, vanilla, lemon squares
Palate: Lemon squares and freshly cracked black pepper, hint of bourbon cask
Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast
An unpeated Caol Ila aged in refill and rejuvenated ex-wine casks.
Nose: Rich and oily — fruit tarts, beef tallow, heavy cream, praline/hazelnut/almond
Palate: Bright and full-bodied — green apple, charred green pepper, orange/lemon finish
Talisker Tidal Churn
Casks treated with Diageo’s stone-spun method — stone rotated against the wood interior to expose more surface area.
Nose: Mezcal-like — earthy, smoky, slightly briny, meaty, vanillin from wood, BBQ beef, green malt. One of the best-peated Scotch noses I’ve ever encountered.
Palate: Savory and smoky — sea salt caramel, milk chocolate, walnut, immense softness. Literally drool-worthy.
Lagavulin Fireside Tales
Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks.
Nose: Well-cooked steak — smoky, salty, meaty, apricot, tobacco, leather, cashew, apple
Palate: Incredibly soft front palate — sharp cheddar and pepper mid-palate, grass, leather, sauteed green beans, charcoal with vanilla on the back
Final Thoughts
The Mortlach and the Talisker blew this year’s series out of the water, with the Oban a close third.
Originally published on Wine & Whiskey Globe. Samples received.