Twelve exceptional casks of single malt scotch whisky were presented to whisky connoisseurs at a lavish ceremony in Loch Ness this month. ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction represents some of the finest casks of whisky in Diageo’s 10 million cask-strong portfolio. Each of these twelve casks represents a unique opportunity for whisky collectors to own an exceptionally rare cask, hand-selected from Diageo’s maturing stock.
One such cask is believed to be “one of the rarest and most exceptional casks known to Diageo’s master whisky makers,” according to a press release issued on behalf of the drinks giant.
‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction
Casks of Distinction is a Diageo program that facilitates the sales of extremely rare casks from within Diageo’s portfolio. ‘The Twelve’ debuted in 2023, with Diageo electing to offer a dozen rare casks once again in 2024. This year’s launch was held at Aldourie Castle on the shores of Loch Ness where guests enjoyed a feast prepared by two-Michelin Star Chef, Jordan Bailey, and wine pairings from Justerini & Brooks.
Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo’s newly formed luxury business the Diageo Luxury Group welcomed private clients and whisky aficionados to The Twelve by Casks of Distinction 2024: “At Diageo, we are hugely privileged to have in our care more than 10 million casks of maturing Scotch Whisky crafted by distinguished makers, harnessing generations of experience. This year, our talented team has curated an exceptional collection, selecting but 12 casks from the millions available – hand-selected whiskies that are of incredible diversity and depth. The presentation of this capsule collection is our definitive annual luxury Scotch spectacle, staged for those who know whisky intimately, understand its value, and appreciate the craft and time that goes into its making.”
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Full details on the twelve exceptional casks presented at this year’s showcase can be found below.
The Twelfth Cask – Brora 1977 #2845
Special attention was paid to the unveiling of ‘The Twelfth Cask’ in the selection, which is one of the rarest and most distinguished casks of whisky under Diageo’s ownership. The Brora 1977 #2845 Cask of Distinction was discovered by Master Whisky Maker Dr. Craig Wilson and chosen specially for this selection.
Brora Distillery was long considered one of the most devastating losses in the 1980s Whisky Loch, which saw Brora close its doors in 1983. In 2021, after almost four decades of silence, Brora Distillery was revived in a multi-million-pound effort by Diageo.
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Cask #2845 is one of the few remaining casks filled prior to the distillery’s closure, making the whisky inside a true time capsule of Brora’s past.
The offering of the Brora 1977 #2845 comes at a serendipitous time in Brora’s new era – the first casks of Brora filled since reopening have now turned three years old, meaning that the whisky inside can now be legally classed as scotch whisky.
Tod Bradbury, Standing Global Private Client Director at the Diageo Luxury Group said: “‘Casks of Distinction continues to set the standard for luxury spirits. The diversity and excellence of our Scotch Whisky stocks have captured global interest, with demand for casks in our inaugural showcase exceeding expectations fivefold. This year we are delighted to present a Brora 1977 #2845. Entire casks from Brora are rarely, if ever, made available and this offers our collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this iconic distillery’s past, present and future.”
Whilst Diageo has remained tight-lipped about the price of the Brora 1977 #2845, industry expert, Mark Littler, believes that the price may be in excess of £2 million. He said: “Aged casks of Brora are exceedingly rare, and #2845 has a very impressive vintage. Given the cult status attained by Brora during its period of closure, and Diageo’s efforts to premiumize the brand, I would not be surprised to see this cask sell for seven figures, perhaps as much as £2 million.”
The Remaining Eleven
In addition to the fantastically rare Brora, Diageo’s Casks of Distinction is offering an additional eleven casks from various other distilleries in Diageo’s portfolio. This includes the oldest Talisker ever to be released from the distillery, distilled in 1975. Other represented distilleries include Clynelish, Caol Ila, and Royal Lochnagar.
The full cask details are as follows:
Brora 1977
Fill date: 16.11.1977
Cask NO: 2845
Est. ABV: 47.8%
Est. Bottle No.: 158
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Talisker 1975
Fill date: 11.12.1975
Cask NO: 4966
Est. ABV: 47.8%
Est. Bottle No.: 155
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Linkwood 1990
Fill date: 15.10.1990
Cask NO: 7805
Est. ABV: 52.9%
Est. Bottle No.: 164
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Inchgower 1992
Fill date: 30.03.1992
Cask NO: 2754
Est. ABV: 50.7%
Est. Bottle No.: 131
Cask type: Refill American Oak Barrel
Cragganmore 1990
Fill date: 26.01.1990
Cask NO: 388
Est. ABV: 57.3%
Est. Bottle No.: 146
Cask type: Refill America Oak Hogshead
Auchroisk 1991
Fill date: 15.08.1991
Cask NO: 572018
Est. ABV: 48.2%
Est. Bottle No.: 238
Cask type: Wine Seasoned American Oak Hogshead
Caol Ila 1990
Fill date: 10.09.1990
Cask NO: 9243
Est. ABV: 48.9%
Est. Bottle No.: 201
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Royal Lochnagar 1988
Fill date: 14.10.1988
Cask NO: 1119
Est. ABV: 50.9%
Est. Bottle No.: 168
Cask type: Refill American Oak Charred Ends Hogshead
Talisker 1986
Fill date: 20.03.1986
Cask NO: 896
Est. ABV: 47.2%
Est. Bottle No.: 153
Cask type: Freshly Charred American Oak Hogshead
Benrinnes 1992
Fill date: 23.11.1992
Cask NO: 9954
Est. ABV: 53%
Est. Bottle No.: 362
Cask type: First-fill ex-Sherry European Oak Butt
Dalwhinnie 1989
Fill date: 14.11.1989
Cask NO: 3754
Est. ABV: 47%
Est. Bottle No.: 214
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Clynelish 1990
Fill date: 12.11.1990
Cask NO: 12016
Est. ABV: 53.6%
Est. Bottle No.: 333
Cask type: Refill American Oak Hogshead
Own A Cask of Distinction
If you are interested in purchasing one of these incredible casks, or wish to enquire about Diageo’s private client services, please visit www.diageorareandexceptional.com.
‘The Twelve’ Ownership Perks
The lucky owner of the Brora 1977 #2845 will receive a special invitation to the distillery in 2026 where they will be offered the chance to fill a brand new Brora cask. They will also be gifted “two unique artefacts that set them apart from other Brora collectors.”
Additionally, along with the other owners of ‘The Twelve’ they will be given exclusive access to Royal Lochnagar’s warehouses in which their casks can experience five additional years of maturation if they wish.
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