Diageo has announced the launch of its latest ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction collection, comprising twelve of its rarest and most exceptional casks, including the oldest-ever Lagavulin to be included in the programme.

The latest collection in the annual series, which was created in 2023, also includes casks from distilleries including Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Glen Ord and Linkwood.

At the heart of this year’s collection is Lagavulin 1991 Cask #1069 (57.6% ABV), the oldest Lagavulin cask ever offered through the programme. Initially matured in European and American oak refill casks, it then underwent nearly two decades of further maturation in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry-seasoned American oak hogshead.

The result is a whisky said to deliver remarkable richness, balancing Lagavulin’s unmistakable maritime smoke with layers of dried fruit, liquorice and charred oak, while retaining the powerful peated character that has defined the Islay icon for more than two centuries.

Its story is not yet complete. Under the guidance of Diageo’s Whisky Makers, the future owner may choose to continue maturing the cask for up to five additional years at Royal Lochnagar, potentially shaping the liquid into a historic 40-Year-Old expression. They will also be invited to Lagavulin Distillery on Islay for a bespoke experience, forging a lasting connection with the whisky’s birthplace.

Casks of Distinction is the private sale of individual casks of rare and exceptional whisky from the pinnacle of Diageo’s extensive cask collection in Scotland, spanning nearly 40 of its most storied distilleries and a wide range of rare and varied maturation profiles.

Drawn from more than 10 million maturing casks across Scotland, every Cask of Distinction is selected following more than 4,200 hours of annual tasting and assessment by Diageo’s Master Whisky Makers.

Ownership includes opportunities for further maturation, bespoke distillery experiences, personalised bottlings and access to Diageo Private Client experiences around the world. The 2026 edition of ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction continues to cement its place as one of the defining annual moments in the world of luxury whisky collecting.

The 2026 ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction, comprises:

Blair Athol 1997 – Cask #1491: A 1997 Blair Athol matured in a first-fill European oak ex-Sherry cask. With an estimated ABV of 57.1% and an expected yield of 305 bottles, it brings a rich Sherry influence to the collection while showcasing the distinctive character of this Highland distillery.

Caol Ila 1984 – Cask #5772: One of the older releases in the collection, this Caol Ila was filled in 1984 and matured in a refill European oak cask. At an estimated 51.2% ABV, it offers collectors a mature expression of Caol Ila’s characteristic Islay style, with an expected yield of 470 bottles.

Clynelish 1990 – Cask #4514: Distilled in 1990, this Clynelish has matured in refill European oak for more than three decades. With an estimated ABV of 52.3% and approximately 410 bottles expected, it represents the elegant, waxy character associated with the Eastern Highland distillery.

Cragganmore 1989 – Cask #2503: This 1989 Cragganmore has spent more than three decades in refill American oak with charred ends. Estimated at 50.8% ABV, the cask is expected to produce around 110 bottles, making it one of the more limited releases in the collection.

Glen Ord 1987 – Cask #3351: A 1987 Glen Ord matured in refill American oak, this Highland single malt has more than three decades of maturation behind it. At an estimated 45.1% ABV, the cask is expected to yield approximately 146 bottles.

Talisker 1978 – Cask #2824: The oldest release in the collection by vintage, this Talisker was distilled in 1978 and has spent almost five decades in refill American oak. With an estimated ABV of 49.9% and just 131 bottles expected, it represents a particularly rare example of long-matured Talisker.

Caol Ila 1991 – Cask #1010: This Caol Ila has undergone a distinctive maturation journey, with a PX-seasoned American oak finish. Estimated at 55.8% ABV and yielding around 257 bottles, the cask combines Caol Ila’s characteristic Islay character with the additional influence of Pedro Ximénez-seasoned oak.

Linkwood 1993 – Cask #13: A 1993 Linkwood matured in freshly charred American oak, this release highlights the impact of active oak on a mature Speyside whisky. With an estimated ABV of 50.4%, the cask is expected to produce around 180 bottles.

Port Dundas 1991 – Cask #1005: A rare opportunity to own whisky from the now-closed Port Dundas distillery, this 1991 cask has matured in refill Spanish Sherry. Estimated at 48.0% ABV, it is expected to yield approximately 243 bottles, offering collectors a piece of Lowland whisky history.

Glenkinchie 1991 – Cask #1017: This 1991 Glenkinchie has been matured in American oak with a Moscatel-treated finish, adding a distinctive element to the Lowland single malt. At an estimated 52.7% ABV, approximately 245 bottles are expected from the cask.

Talisker 1992 – Cask #3228: A younger Talisker than the 1978 release elsewhere in the collection, this 1992 cask has received an Amoroso-treated American oak finish. With an estimated ABV of 60.8% and a yield of just 126 bottles, it is one of the smallest releases in ‘The Twelve’.

Lagavulin 1991 – Cask #1069: Initially matured in European and American oak refill casks, it underwent a transformation in 2007, spending nearly two decades in a PX-seasoned American oak hogshead. At an estimated 57.6% ABV, the cask is expected to yield just 125 bottles.

Commenting on the Lagavulin 1991 – Cask #1069, Stuart Morrison, Lagavulin Master Blender, said: “This is certainly one of the most special Lagavulin casks I have ever experienced. After more than 35 years, it still has remarkable vitality. The PX maturation has added incredible depth without ever overshadowing the distillery’s character. It’s a whisky that reflects decades of patience, careful stewardship and the confidence to let time do what it does best.”

Commenting on the launch event for ‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction, held at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Tod Bradbury, Private Client Director of Justerini & Brooks, the private client division of Diageo, said: “‘The Twelve’ by Casks of Distinction is more than a showcase – it has become a defining gathering in the annual whisky calendar, bringing devoted collectors from around the world together to exchange knowledge and celebrate their shared passion for exceptional Scotch whisky. This year’s presentation really captured that spirit, as returning owners brought bottles from their own Casks of Distinction to share with fellow collectors, reflecting the very special community that has grown around the programme.”

For more information on Diageo’s Casks of Distinction, visit: diageorareandexceptional.com