Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out the Diageo Special Releases 2025 collection.
Diageo has officially unveiled its most anticipated limited-edition whisky collection of the year: the 2025 Special Releases, titled Horizons Unbound. Comprising eight iconic single malt expressions, each reimagined through unconventional cask finishes and daring flavour profiles, this collection is as much a statement of artistry as it is a love letter to the tradition of Scotch whisky.
Every year, Diageo releases a small-batch, limited-edition series spotlighting experimental distilling techniques and rare cask maturation methods. The 2025 Special Releases collection, Horizons Unbound, continues this tradition with eight single malt expressions drawn from some of Scotland’s most revered distilleries.
Curated under the expert guidance of Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison, the collection is designed to push the boundaries of what Scotch whisky can be — honouring the past while charting a thrilling new course forward.
“Horizons Unbound invites whisky lovers to discover bold new takes on some of our most iconic Single Malts. This is a collection that proves exceptional whisky doesn’t just respect tradition — it redefines it.” — Dr. Stuart Morrison, Master Blender, Diageo
The Eight Expressions: A Complete Guide
Teaninich 8 Year Old ‘Daring Rye’
A distillery first, and one of the collection’s most talked-about expressions. This rare Highland single malt has been transformed by rye cask influence, delivering vibrant spice, layered complexity and a distinctly contemporary edge. Teaninich’s rare mash filter technique gives the whisky its rebellious, rule-breaking character. Expect bold toffee sweetness laced with spice and herbal depth from ex-bourbon cask maturation.
Dailuaine 21 Year Old ‘Marbled Treasures’
This Speyside expression is a masterclass in extended maturation. Aged in Spanish ex-sherry casks, Dailuaine 21YO is a rare one-off release that rewards patient sipping with layers of dried fruit, baked apple and fragrant spice, with a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
The Singleton of Glen Ord 17 Year Old ‘Into the Blue’
A striking combination of ex-mezcal and second-fill ex-sherry casks lends this expression an adventurous dual personality. It oscillates between bold, smoke-tinged spice and generous fruity richness. Definitely a must-try for fans of complex, layered Scotch.
Talisker 14 Year Old ‘Molten Seas’
A personal favourite of ours, this 14YO breaks new ground. It is matured in volcanic rock-toasted American oak casks, which is a first for the distillery. Expect Talisker’s signature maritime character elevated by fiery, mineral warmth.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old ‘Grain & Embers’
Lagavulin’s legendary peat-driven character gets a rich, indulgent makeover. Matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks, this expression layers bakery smoke over toasted aromas—an artisanal Islay experience that bridges the classic and the contemporary.
Oban 12 Year Old ‘Heart of the Harbour’
Oban’s coastal identity shines through in this warm, welcoming expression. Matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks, it offers nostalgic notes of toffee, citrus and sea breeze, evoking the charm of the West Highland harbour town it calls home.
Roseisle 14 Year Old ‘Harmonic Grace’
One of Diageo’s newer distilleries, Roseisle delivers a complex expression through a combination of refill and rejuvenated casks. The result is a nuanced, multi-layered Speyside that rewards close attention.
Clynelish 18 Year Old ‘Waxen Sun’
Clynelish is celebrated for its distinctive waxy, coastal character, and the 18YO amplifies this to spectacular effect. Using an early distillation, ‘Pineapple Cut’, the whisky bursts with tropical, waxy notes that feel like bottled sunshine.
For Malaysian whisky enthusiasts, the Diageo Special Releases 2025 collection carries an emotional weight, as this will be the last year the Special Releases series is made available in Malaysia. Therefore, only 200 complete sets of the Horizons Unbound collection will be released locally.
The collection is available now in limited quantities exclusively through Cellar Eighteen.
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