Whisky Without Boundaries: Diageo Unveils ‘Spirited Xchange Second Edition’ in Malaysia

Diageo’s 2024 Special Releases land in Malaysia with bold expressions, daring cask finishes, and a collection that asks whisky lovers one provocative question: “What if?”

This June marks the Malaysian debut of Diageo’s Spirited Xchange Second Edition, a striking new collection of rare Single Malt Scotch whiskies that redefines traditional expectations through bold creativity and inventive cask finishes. Now in its second year under the ‘Spirited Xchange’ banner, the annual Special Releases series continues to be a playground for flavour innovation and whisky artistry, curated by Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison.

“Each year, our Special Releases collection showcases hand-selected, distillery-first expressions that push the boundaries of traditional whisky-making. This year’s collection is a continuation of the Spirited Xchange that delves deeper into flavour exploration, experimenting with various cask combinations that challenge expectations,” Morrison explained.

“This collection is about curiosity and what happens when you challenge yourself to think ‘what if’. This has led us to explore a variety of exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for The Singleton, to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavour to its unmistakably umami identity. We are excited for whisky lovers to experience it.”

More than a continuation, this year’s edition is a deep dive into the ethos of experimentation — a collection that dares to ask “what if?” and answers with unique cask combinations, surprising flavour profiles, and limited cask-strength bottlings that reflect both heritage and imagination.

Among the highlights:

• Mortlach ‘Midnight Dusk’, finished in sweet Ramandolo white and Sangiovese red wine casks. It drapes the palate with layers of umami and fruit. Its unusual flavour profile makes this an excellent option for the aperitivo moment.
  
• Talisker ‘Tidal Churn’, captures Talisker distillery’s deep-rooted maritime heritage. This expression channels the ocean’s dynamic forces, utilising a stone-spun method. The process, inspired by the ocean’s swirling churn, sees the powerful rotations of stone against wood, wearing away the char with stones and water. After the stone spinning, the casks are gently re-toasted, before finishing the whisky. This method reveals new depths of flavour, unveiling a surprising duo of sweet flavours – pear and apple – beneath Talisker’s signature maritime smoke.

• The Singleton ‘Autumn Walk’ brings together a combination of casks – ex-bourbon, rejuvenated ex-wine, and refill casks. It is then finished with European Oak and unique Pyrenean Oak cask-ends. The result is a complex and flavourful malt, offering sweet, spicy, and slightly dry notes evocative of an autumnal stroll in the Pyrenees.

• Lagavulin ‘Fireside Tales’, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks, reveals unexpected depths of sweetness and an enchanting finish. This whisky unfolds a tale of smoke tenderly tamed into a whisper, dressed in notes of toffee and vanilla, with a sprinkling of spice.

• Benrinnes ‘Grand Crescendo’ is the oldest expression in the collection. This 21 Year Old distinguished liquid emerges from a symphony of maturations – American Oak wine casks, European Oak casks, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends. 

• Roseisle ‘Origami Kite 2’, this is the second ever expression from the Roseisle distillery, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks. Its smooth, creamy texture carries the craftsmanship and spirit of Roseisle into new dimensions of taste.
  
• Caol Ila ‘Ambrosial Feast’, an unusually unpeated expression that intertwines creamy, nutty nuances with a burst of green apple. Matured in refill and rejuvenated ex-wine casks specifically chosen to enhance the distillate’s inherent fruity qualities, this whisky reveals the lighter, smoother side of Caol Ila, inviting a reimagining of the Islay classic.

• Oban ‘Coastal Orchard’, this vibrant expression is finished in new fresh charred American Oak barrels that have been freshly seasoned with Oloroso sherry and harmoniously blended with refill casks, creating a liquid landscape where coastal air meets the richness of orchard fruits. 

Each bottle is a collectible, and the presentation matches the liquid inside. Diageo has collaborated with acclaimed photographers Ben Thouard and Till Janz to visualise the spirit of each expression through striking imagery that captures the essence of flavour exploration. (See full series of bottles below.)

Available in limited quantities in Malaysia through The Chamber, the full collection is priced at RM6,999. These are not everyday sippers — they’re expressions of imagination, innovation, and a deep respect for craft.

As Diageo puts it: this isn’t just about whisky. It’s about rethinking what’s possible in every dram.