Diageo Luxury Group has unveiled Rare Series, a new evolving collection of Scotch whiskies that includes the oldest single malt ever released by the company — a 55-year-old expression from the lost ghost distillery Glenury Royal. The inaugural chapter features five limited-release whiskies from five iconic Scottish locations, available exclusively via global registration with Diageo’s Private Client teams from Thursday, April 30, 2026.
The collection draws from Diageo’s vast holdings of more than 10 million casks across over 30 distilleries. It spans Scotland’s whisky-producing regions, from the Highlands and the rugged northern coast to the shores of Islay and the Isle of Skye.
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Diageo Luxury Group Managing Director Julie Bramham said: “Rare Series is an ode to Scotland’s rich whisky heritage and its enduring influence on the world of luxury, where rarity is not created, but revealed over time.”
“Through this collection, we have curated exceptional whiskies while opening the door to deeply personal experiences, connecting our global community of Private Clients to the stories, the people, and the legacy behind them,” Bramham added. “The collection as such, is defined by provenance and character.”
The flagship release is the Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series, a 55-year-old single malt bottled at 62.4% ABV. Matured in American oak hogsheads and married in European oak puncheons, only 232 bottles are available globally at $6,350 (£5,700).
Glenury Royal Distillery, located in Stonehaven in the Eastern Highlands, was founded around 1825. It ceased production in 1985 and was demolished in the mid-1990s. The distillery’s remaining casks have become increasingly scarce, making this release a significant addition to Diageo’s portfolio of ghost distillery bottlings.
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The Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series is the oldest expression ever released by the Islay distillery. Bottled at 42 years old and 56.4% ABV, it was matured in American oak casks and married in European oak puncheons. Just 318 bottles are available at $3,000 (£2,700).
Clynelish 1983 Rare Series, also 42 years old, was matured in American oak hogsheads and bottled at 49.5% ABV. The Highland distillery’s signature waxy character is on display, according to the brand. Only 160 bottles have been produced, priced at $4,000 (£3,600).
Talisker 1992 Rare Series is a 33-year-old expression bottled at 60.1% ABV. It is the only whisky drawn from an experimental batch, finished for over 20 years in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads. A total of 331 bottles are available at $1,300 (£1,200).
Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series rounds out the inaugural chapter. This 34-year-old single malt, bottled at 50.8% ABV, is the first Blair Athol ever matured in ex-Sherry European oak casks and finished in Pedro Ximénez-seasoned new American oak hogsheads. It is priced at $900 (£800), with 347 bottles available.
Diageo Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson said: “It is a privilege to unearth the exceptional Scotch Whiskies in Rare Series, a collection celebrating the remarkable breadth of Scotland’s scattered whisky treasures.”
“From the experimental richness of Talisker 1992 Rare Series to the historic Glenury Royal which has been aged for over half a century, and a Clynelish which embodies the distillery’s signature waxy character, each expression showcases rarity, diversity, and meticulous craftsmanship,” Wilson added. “We look forward to seeing the series evolve with future additions to come.”
Future Rare Series releases will be determined by Diageo’s master blenders and unveiled only when the whiskies reach their finest character. Private Clients will receive exclusive first access.
Distribution is handled through Diageo’s Private Client teams, including fine wine and rare whisky specialists Justerini & Brooks. These specialists offer access to private tastings, invitation-only events, and immersive journeys throughout Scotland.
Interested buyers can register at rare-series.com.
