Skip to main content

Diageo’s Limited Single Malt Scotches Alter Reality in More Ways Than One

Two of Diageo's newest eight special, single malt Scotches, complete with protective mythic beasts.
Two of Diageo’s newest eight special, single malt Scotches, complete with protective mythic beasts. Image used with permission by copyright holder

This fall, Diageo’s multinational distillery is not only giving whiskey lovers several single malts to celebrate, the bottles will be accompanied and protected by some of Scotland’s most vicious beasts.

At the end of September, Diageo unveiled its Legends Untold annual single malt Scotch whiskey collection. This year, not only do the grogs transverse the knotty land to offer some of the country’s finest spirits, but they dip into mythical realms via augmented reality to share little-known distillery stories and ancient creatures. According to the country’s ancient fables, otherworldly, eternal beings fiercely protected these Scottish distilleries. This autumn, by a twist of fate, the mythical creatures of the distilleries are set to come to life. 

Legends Untold, will be described by bold, detailed illustrations and design work from renowned digital illustrator Ken Taylor. The Australian artist’s striking style resulted in a singular interpretation of the mythic creatures that take cues from his pop culture artwork and unmistakable posters. 

Related Guides

The eight-bottle collection uncovers a wealth of hidden gems across Britain’s northern reaches, from lochs to rugged highlands. Master blender Dr. Craig Wilson hand-picked each Scotch whisky to showcase the true essence of each distillery. 

“We delved into the core characteristics of classic distilleries,” Smith said in a press release. “We revealed new depths and embraced the essence of each whisky’s unique flavor profile, revealing the legend it brings to life. This year’s collection is just the beginning of the story.”

Activated via on-pack QR code, the multi-sensory experience begins with an explanation of each single malt’s cask tale followed by a blended reality tasting experience, designed to captivate the senses.

The collection includes the dark, robust, 13-year old Mortlach from the Speyside Dufftown distillery; Abriny, a bold seamonster of a malt with smoky undertones; the 8-year-old Talisker; a rare Highland expression featuring nimble, springtime freshness in 16-year old Royal Lochnagar, and two unique Lagavulins, ‘The King of Islay” — an intense yet balanced sweet and salty 12-year-old batch, and the collection’s crown jewel, a 26-year-old Scotch. 

Diageo’s single malt, Legends Untold Scotch collection is due to launch later this fall from United States specialist Scotch whisky retailers and be available for $115 to $2,400 a bottle at malts.com. Guarded for only a privileged few to know and savor, this collection of whiskies will spark whisky lovers’ imaginations and enthuse the nose and lips. 

Read More: Scotch Breakfast Cocktails

Editors' Recommendations

Matthew Denis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Denis is an on-the-go remote multimedia reporter, exploring arts, culture, and the existential in the Pacific Northwest…
Big Green Egg brings back a fan-favorite item for a limited time
However spend your evenings outdoors, the Big Green Egg Chiminea is there to help keep things warm
The Big Green Egg Chiminea.

Love good times by the fire on a chilly night? Want to enjoy a few drinks in a toasty spot after a long day at work? Of course, we all do. But throwing some logs in a pit in the ground doesn't quite do it. If you want a cozy evening, Big Green Egg brings the wow with the release of a special Chiminea to celebrate 50 years in business, and it will take your gathering around the fire to a whole new level.
The Big Green Egg update

Big Green Egg has been the go-to for outdoor grillers and smokers looking for an outdoor cooker for decades. But if you want to hang out in the fresh air without cooking, the Chiminea is what you need. Freestanding fireplaces aren't new, and Big Green Egg isn't trying to reinvent them. The vintage version from 1999 is the starting point, with upgrades worthy of a 50th anniversary.
What's cracking with this egg
If it's not broken, don't fix it, right? But even the littlest changes will make something feel fresh. For those who aren't the best at starting a fire and keeping it going, the Chiminea comes with Lava Rocks to keep the flames roaring more evenly and for longer. Made from NASA-grade ceramic, the quality isn't something to worry about, either. And, yes, it's still in that gorgeous, signature deep green color. 

Read more
Far older than you think: A beginner’s guide to Mexican wine
Mexico has a great unsung wine scene
White wine glass tip

Wine has been produced in Mexico since the 16th century. With Spanish rule came mandatory vineyard plantings, wine-loving missions, and a steady flow of vino.

Today, the country is responsible for some exciting up-and-coming wines. The Baja region, in particular, is home to more than 125 producers and is beginning to get some serious industry recognition. Beneath the fine agave spirits and beach-friendly lagers, there’s quality wine on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Read more
This is how to sharpen a serrated knife the right way
This fearsome blade needs a little extra love
Knife blades closeup

In every good set of kitchen knives, there is one particular blade that most people both love and hate. We love it for its ability to flawlessly slice through foods like crusty baguettes and plump, ripened tomatoes. Its jagged edge gives us smooth cuts through otherwise tricky-to-slice ingredients, all while appearing rather fierce in the process. But this knife can be desperately infuriating in its trickiness to sharpen. This is the serrated knife - a fiercely toothy blade with a saw-like edge.

Serrated knives come in all sizes for a variety of kitchen tasks. Their toothy edge is perfect for many culinary uses, allowing for crisp, clean cuts without tearing or squashing the ingredient's often tender interior.

Read more