Diageo has unveiled details of its fourth Prima & Ultima collection of rare and collectable single malt Scotch whiskies.
The fourth release comprises eight vintage releases from the company's Scottish distilleries, including 1970s whiskies from the sought-after Brora and Port Ellen, the oldest release to date from Talisker, and the final 1997 Lagavulin. Registration is now open for those who wish to try and secure one of the coveted sets – which are retailing for £45,580 in the UK.
The Prima & Ultima Collection was launched in 2020 in celebration of Diageo master blender Dr Jim Beveridge, who selected the first eight releases to correspond with notable moments in his 40-year career in Scotch whisky. As well as showcasing highly aged bottlings, the collection has also shone a spotlight on rare experimental releases from some of Scotland's best-known malt distilleries.
The releases for the second collection in 2021 were chosen by Beveridge's contemporary Maureen Robinson, while the selection of the third collection fell to Dr Craig Wilson. This year, the gauntlet has been taken up by Dr Emma Walker, who succeeded Beveridge as Johnnie Walker master blender in 2021.
“Each of these whiskies have been watched, influenced, and marked as outstanding. As well as being exceptional, these rare whiskies were each distilled during a specific, unrepeatable moment of note or change at each of the eight iconic distilleries,” Walker said.
“In curating this release I’ve drawn whiskies that not only are noteworthy in whisky history, but also have a personal connection to myself. For instance, the very first malt whisky I tried was a Lagavulin; it was its spectacular qualities that enticed me to enter the whisky world. It has also been one of my dreams to craft a special 1977 Brora and I am so pleased that this release has seen this realised.”
The fourth Prima & Ultima collection comprises:
- A 46-year-old whisky from Talisker, its oldest bottling to date
- An experimental single malt from Clynelish, distilled in 1996
- The last bottling of 1997 Lagavulin
- A 1996 Oban, the distillery's debut entry in the collection
- A 1977 Brora matured in American oak hogsheads
- A 1978 Port Ellen, also matured in American oak hogsheads
- The Singleton of Dufftown, from some of its final casks laid down in 1985
- A Pittyvaich bottling distilled in 1992
Only 413 full sets of the Prima & Ultima fourth release are available for purchase, with a recommended retail price of £45,580 each. Individual bottlings from the collection are also available.
To register interest for a full set, go to theprimaandultimacollection.com – registration is open from 13 September to 11 October.