Elite Traveler Summer 2023

EXPLORE THE HOT LIST

This image Diageo’s Casks of Distinction is a collection of hogsheads, ex-bourbon casks and sherry butts that hold exceptional whiskies Below Royal Lochnagar Distillery

These rare casks carry price tags that start at hundreds of thousands of pounds and peak between£ 2 mand£ 3 m

It’s the latter option on this particular visit, and Gunno ff ers “wee drams” of Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour 48-Year-Old, a resplendent whisky born from an assemblage of rare liquids crafted at four now-extinct distilleries and one that was recently reborn (more on this later). On the nose, the spirit marries aromas of rich molasses, dried fruits and a touch of coastal sea air. On the palate, vibrant winter spices, such as star anise and clove, mingle with lighter, more nuanced fl avors (think honeysuckle and peaches). “When you taste this whisky,” Gunn observes, “remember that it can never be repeated. This is a slice of history from 48 years ago.”