Pernod Ricard launches rare Secret Speyside bottlings

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail is launching seven ultra-rare Speyside whiskies from some of the region's most elusive distilleries.

The Secret Speyside Single Cask Editions, which will be available exclusively in global travel retail, comprise whiskies aged between 21 and 27 years from four renowned distillers: Caperdonich, Longmorn, Glen Keith, and Braes of Glenlivet.

Each edition is claimed to show a unique character, thanks to their individual casks. All were matured in American oak casks, a selection of which were first-fill.

The Single Cask Editions are:

• Secret Speyside Caperdonich Peated 1996 exclusive to Heinemann, Frankfurt (RRSP US$1,050)
• Secret Speyside Caperdonich Unpeated 1996 exclusive to Dufry, Heathrow (RRSP US$1,050) 
• Secret Speyside Braes of Glenlivet 1992 exclusive to Dubai Duty Free (RRSP US$990)
• Secret Speyside Glen Keith 1998 exclusive to CDFG, Shanghai (RRSP US$450)
• Secret Speyside Glen Keith 1994 exclusive to Lagardère, Hong Kong (RRSP US$760)
• Secret Speyside Longmorn 1998 exclusive to Lotte, Singapore (RRSP US$480)
• Secret Speyside Longmorn 1995 exclusive to Everrich, Taiwan RRSP US$800)

The Secret Speyside series was launched by Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail in 25 markets in 2019. These new Single Cask Editions demonstrate the company's intention to push further into the Premium+ whisky category.

Liya Zhang, vice-president of marketing at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, said: "The ultra-rare range of Single Cask Editions fuse the rich heritage and unique characteristics derived from the four celebrated and elusive distilleries at the heart of the revered region of Speyside, presenting travel retail shoppers with a unique opportunity to explore and collect new and rarer treasures.

"The ultra-limited malts present an opportunity for Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail to cut through the Prestige+ category in duty free, offering unique expressions collectors cannot find anywhere else."

Sandy Hyslop, director of blending and inventory at Pernod Ricard's Scotch whisky arm Chivas Brothers, said: "It is always a satisfying moment for a blending team when we realise a cask we've been monitoring for a number of years stands out as being worthy of bottling all by itself. The introduction of these seven new captivating single-cask releases is a tribute to the exceptional skill and uncompromising dedication that is behind Secret Speyside.

"Over decades of maturation, an incredibly distinctive range of flavours has developed inside each cask and these stunning new releases, bottled at cask strength, represent an impressive depth to Speyside that is just waiting to be discovered."

8 July 2022 - Bethany Whymark