Diageo unveils new Prima & Ultima range of Scotch whisky
The “Prima & Ultima” range of Scotch whisky by spirits giant Diageo, is worth a total of $24,600 RRP.
The collectible whisky market is about the intelligent search for those whiskies that will be worth gold in a few years time. Or in the search for those whiskies that are now extinct, there are few specimens left at astronomical prices.
Diageo then focuses on the “liquid gold” collection craze with “Prima & Ultima” (first and last in Italian). A range of Scotch whiskies labelled “collectible” whose price is now equal to those of auction whiskies. In fact these whiskies will be auctioned.
This is a selection of casks from various Diageo distilleries. These include Lagavulin, Mortlach and Singleton of Dufftown.
The first collection comprising eight vintage single malts was selected by Dr Jim Beveridge OBE. Beveridge said: “Over the past 40 years I have worked closely with our distilleries across Scotland, and have been fortunate enough to witness major changes in the whisky industry”.
“Each of the eight whiskies I have selected for Prima & Ultima tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship. I have selected them from distilleries that are of great personal importance to me.”
The Prima & Ultima collection consists of several series. The first one comprises:
- Caol Ila 1984 (35 years old, 50.8% ABV, aged in a refill European oak butt, 499 bottles)
- Clynelish 1993 (26 years old, 49.8% ABV, aged in refill American oak casks, 941 bottles)
- Cragganmore 1971 (48 years old, 43.7% ABV, aged in a first-fill ex-Sherry butt, 352 bottles)
- Lagavulin 1991 (28 years old, 50.1% ABV, aged in refill American oak casks, 1,013 bottles)
- Mortlach 1994 (25 years old, 55.1% ABV, aged in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez cask and oloroso-seasoned European oak butt, 389 bottles)
- Port Ellen 1979 (40 years old, 51.2% ABV, aged in a refill European oak butt, 436 bottles)
- Singleton of Dufftown 1988 (30 years old, 48.8% ABV, aged in refill American oak casks, 469 bottles)
- Talisker 1988 (31 years old, 51.4% ABV, aged in refill American oak casks, 721 bottles)
In total there are 238 sets of Prima & Ultima. To purchase one of them, just register from July 22nd at www.exceptionalwhisky.com
The first sale will take place at Sotheby’s from August 26 to September 2, 2020 as part of a charity auction. It should be noted that each number one bottle from each set is signed by Beveridge.
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.