Exclusive Spirits: An Insider’s Look at Limited-Edition Whiskies this World Whisky Day

As the amber sun sets on the third Saturday of May, whisky enthusiasts around the globe gather to celebrate World Whisky Day. This day is not just another mark on the calendar; it’s a tribute to the spirit that has captured hearts and palates alike. In India, a land where the whisky culture is as rich and diverse as its heritage, connoisseurs are turning their gaze towards limited-edition whiskies that offer an exclusive taste of luxury.

Limited-edition whiskies are the crown jewels of the spirits world, offering a unique experience that goes beyond the ordinary. On World Whisky Day, we take you through some of the most sought-after limited-edition whiskies available in India, each with its own story that reflects its exclusivity.

1. Glenfiddich Grand YozakuraGlenfiddich has created the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks, the latest release within the renowned Grand Series. It is a limited-edition fusion celebrating the finest from Scotland and Japan, with only a handful of bottles available in India. Grand Yozakura is a 29-Year-Old Whisky matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown and finished in oak casks that previously matured the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori, producing a finish unlike any other. Grand Yozakura celebrates Hanami – the “cherry blossom festival”, where Japan appreciates the temporal beauty of nature through the sakura. A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura”. This fleeting moment captures a time where nature is honoured and this marriage of rare liquids, once gone, will never be replicated presenting a transient chance to experience a beautiful collision of cultures and flavours. The price for this variant is INR 2.85 lakhs (in Mumbai – prices may vary for different market).
2. Yamazaki 18-Year-Old MizunaraThe Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara is a limited-edition whisky comprising carefully curated malt whiskies that have aged for a minimum of 18 years in Mizunara casks, providing its elegant Japanese character. Only 2,000 bottles of this particular liquid were produced, which carries notes of subtly spiced oranges and Japanese incense. Its finish is accentuated with clove, sandalwood, and hints of dried coconut. The price for this variant is INR 1.15 lakhs (approximately).
3. The Balvenie PortWood 21-year-oldThe Balvenie PortWood 21-year-old single malt whisky is a marriage of rare Balvenie which is transferred to port casks, or pipes, which have held fine port wines.Product unique features –• Rare and old Balvenie matured in port pipes.• 21 years in traditional American oak casks.• 4 months in port pipes.• 4 months in marrying tuns.Tasting notes –• NOSE: A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes, backed by a nutty dryness• TASTE: Refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes.• FINISH: Long, gentle, nutty.The price of the variant ranges between INR 35,000-40,000 approximately (in Gurugram – prices may vary for different market).
4. The Macallan HorizonIn 2021, to the delight of motorheads and whisky aficionados (mostly the same), Macallan and Bentley Motors announced they would collaborate on a project. Two years later, The Macallan Horizon was officially released. The limited-edition whisky, made from materials common to both brands, comes in a striking design that consists of a horizontal glass bottle with a 180° twist and no base. The price of the variant is $50,000 (approximately INR 41.76 lakhs per bottle).
5. Ballantine’s 40-Year-Old Masterclass CollectionIn April 2023, Ballantine unveiled its 40-Year-Old Masterclass Collection, a limited-edition whisky series with five annual releases that feature crafted blends from casks laid down by Jack Goudy, Ballantine’s Master Blender from 1959 to 1994. The first in this series, ‘The Remembering, ‘ was bottled at natural strength after a 40-year maturation in oak casks and crafted with influence from the whisky of the now-closed Dumbarton Distillery. The price of the variant is $11,000 (approximately INR 9.16 lakhs per bottle).