Diageo is one of the world’s largest beverage alcohol companies, and that market share is built on the backs of some iconic brands—names like Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, and Smirnoff chief among them. Like much of the spirits industry, the conglomerate has faced recent headwinds, leading to a marked drop in share price.

But in the world of Scotch whisky, Diageo still (undoubtedly) reigns supreme. By the company’s own estimates, one in every three Scotch bottles sold globally comes from a Diageo-owned brand. It owns 31 distilleries across Scotland, giving it unparalleled access to distillation capacity and over 10 million aging casks of whisky.

And while a market slowdown is reducing forecasts for companies big and small, Diageo doesn’t seem to be slowing down an area of particular focus: luxury bottles. In April 2026, Diageo’s Rare & Exceptional rolled out Rare Series, a new addition to its prestige portfolio. The inaugural series encompasses five super-premium bottles—sold individually—and includes the oldest-ever single malt released under a Diageo house brand.

I had the opportunity to taste from the new lineup, including a standout, 33 year-old expression from Talisker—the only inclusion to come from an experimental run. Feel free to scroll below to get my full tasting notes. But in the meantime, here are the full details on Diageo Rare Series 2026, including sources, maturation details, bottle counts, U.S. allocations, and price tags. (All prices below exclude taxes and any local fees.)

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Series: This former Highland malt producer officially stopped producing in 1985. Over the years, Diageo has trickled out some exceptionally old whiskies from this “ghost distillery,” including via a limited blend of Johnnie Walker Blue. But the Rare Series version is the oldest yet, and indeed, it’s the oldest single malt ever released by Diageo. The whiskey was initially aged in American oak hogsheads and then married in European oak puncheons. Global availability is 232 bottles, with 21 allocated to the United States, each with a price tag of $6,530. 62.4% ABV

Talisker 1992 Rare Series: Produced by Talisker on the Isle of Skye, this 33 year single malt is the only experimental whisky in the 2026 Rare Series. It was initially aged in refill casks before spending more than two decades in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads. Amoroso is oloroso sherry sweetened with either Pedro Ximénez or moscatel. Global availability is 331 bottles, with 30 in the United States, each with a price tag of $1,300. 60.1% ABV

Caol Ila 1983 Rare Series: At 42 years, this is the oldest Caol Ila to carry the distillery’s own label. (There have been older releases under independent bottlers.) It was initially aged in American oak and then moved to European oak puncheons. Global availability is 318 bottles, with 30 in the United States, each with a price tag of $3,000. 56.4% ABV

Clynelish 1983 Rare Series: Matured for 42 years in American oak hogsheads, this release lands at 160 bottles globally, with 16 in the United States. The MSRP is $4,000. 49.5% ABV

Blair Athol 1991 Rare Series: A 34 year single malt matured in ex-sherry European oak, then finished in Pedro Ximenez-seasoned new American oak hogsheads. (Diageo calls that profile a first for the distillery.) The global bottle count is 347, with 25 in the United States, and a price tag of $900. 50.8% ABV

Moving on to that Talisker. At 33 years, it’s hardly vying for the title of the oldest whisky under the distillery brand. That title is indisputably held by Talisker Magma, a 47 year-old single malt that launched earlier in 2026 with 622 bottles globally. But don’t discount Talisker 1992 Rare Series for its lack of superlative age statement. This is exceptional whisky, through and through. Its unique 20-year sherry finish likely adds to the appeal among whisky nerds like me.

If you’re expecting an average Talisker on the nose, think again. Yes, it is moderately maritime, complete with salted caramel and general coastal minerality. But I’m quickly taken aback (in a good way) by frankincense, smoked cherries, and loads of peppery spice, all of which exhibit more intensity than any hallmark of salty sea breeze. For all its 120 proof, the ethanol is quite subdued, which allows sweeter (brown sugar), fruitier (figs, cherries), spicier (cinnamon), and lightly smoky aromas (BBQ sauce burnt ends) to really stand apart.

The palate does pack an initial punch, with great viscosity and bold interplay between honeyed sweetness and charred orchard fruits. The latter notes get darker and richer over time, evolving to peppery, spiced berry compote by the midpalate. A lingering element of cranberry sauce lends some welcome tartness, headlining a very long (and once again intermittently smoked) finish. Rare and exceptional, indeed.

Rare Series joins Diageo Special Releases, Prima and Ultima, and the Johnnie Walker Vault collaborations among the Diageo Rare & Exceptional collections. The series is available only through Diageo’s Private Client program. But don’t expect a new collection every year. According to the company, “Future Rare Series releases will be unveiled only when these whiskies reveal their finest character, as determined by Diageo’s Master Blenders.” Their Private Clients get first access, of course.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com