Diageo Unveils Two Aged Scotch Whiskies
The Rare Series winter release features a 41-year-old Convalmore 1984 and a 36-year-old Dalwhinnie 1989, each in very limited global allocations.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Cocktails
Diageo unveiled two aged single malt Scotch whiskies in its Rare Series winter release on 9 November 2026. The Convalmore 1984 is a 41-year-old single malt from a closed Dufftown distillery, and the Dalwhinnie 1989 is a 36-year-old single malt.
Why it matters
The release gives collectors and whisky enthusiasts access to rare, limited-edition expressions drawn from Diageo's extensive maturing cask inventory. Strict allocation through Diageo's Private Client network means availability is restricted to a small number of buyers worldwide.
Convalmore 1984 is bottled at 45.6 per cent ABV from four refill American oak hogsheads and priced at £2,900 for 310 bottles worldwide. Dalwhinnie 1989 is bottled at 49.9 per cent ABV, limited to 305 bottles globally, and priced at £1,100.
The players
Diageo
Diageo is a global spirits company that owns numerous Scotch whisky distilleries and brands, including the Rare Series.
Dr Craig Wilson
Dr Craig Wilson is Diageo's master blender who sourced the liquid for the Rare Series winter releases from the company's cask inventory.
Justerini & Brooks
Justerini & Brooks is a London wine and spirits merchant that is distributing bottles from the Rare Series release through its St James's Street townhouse.
The details
Master blender Dr Craig Wilson sourced the liquid from Diageo's inventory of more than 10 million maturing casks across more than 30 distilleries. The Dalwhinnie 1989 is the first Dalwhinnie matured in Amoroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads, and bottles are allocated through Diageo's Private Client network.
Timeline
- April 2026: The Rare Series debuted with five limited expressions.
- 3 November 2026: Access to the registration portal opened for new releases.
- 9 November 2026: Winter Rare Series releases were unveiled by Diageo.
Culture Shift
The Rare Series extends Diageo's limited-edition program, which has shifted premium Scotch toward small, highly allocated releases that reward collectors over casual drinkers. Strict allocation through the Private Client network keeps these bottles scarce beyond the reach of most buyers.
Buyers wanting either bottle must register through the global portal on rare-series.com and be selected through Diageo's Private Client network. The high price points and tiny allocations mean most enthusiasts will not be able to purchase directly.
The takeaway
Limited releases like the Rare Series reward buyers who engage early with official registration channels. Collectors interested in aged single malts should monitor announcements from distributors such as Justerini & Brooks.
Further reading
Explore more on Cocktails to see how aged single malts are used in drinks.
More information
Register for access to the release through the Rare Series global registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CityAM.
