A blend of 28 malts from Diageo. It initially reminded me of a Cask Strength Johnnie Walker Green Label. I was wrong. Collectivum XVIII is a quite pricey (around $200) blended malt from Diageo's entire single malt collection. Presented as the ultimate blend, I'm pleased to report this has been bottled at 57.3% abv. On the nose, expect chocolate, cream, and citric oranges, like orange peel or a nutty butter Ferrero Rocher. After breathing, dried oranges were revealed. The palate also features this chocolate profile and Ferrero Rocher, with orange acidity. I'm also detecting some raisin acidity and astringency. Incredibly chocolaty. A very nice dram. The aftertaste is fitting for a strong, powerful dram, very well-crafted. It has impalpable sugar and acid oranges, with some spiciness and mild peat. The aftertaste is quite remarkable. Hazelnut, ginger, and a numbing sensation on the mouth, with puffs of smoke. Overall, I had no expectations for this whisky and was genuinely surprised. A super complex, powerful, enjoyable dram; this is one I will remember for a long time. It wasn't overly peaty and had a perfect balance. My score for this beauty is 94 out of 100.
Collectivum XXVIII (2017 Special Release)
Whiskey Scotch Scotland No age statement 57.3% ABV
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About this bottle
Part of Diageo's autumn special release series, which commenced in 2001, this 2017 bottling represents the first blended malt offering. The name "Collectivum XXVIII" signifies the union of 28 active Diageo-owned single malt distilleries. Maturation involved a mix of refill American oak hogsheads, refill European oak butts, ex-bodega European oak, and first-fill bourbon American oak casks. This whisky, at 57.3% ABV, will have limited global distribution.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 4 parsed reviews.
Who would have imagined that combining 28 single malts would result in something so delicious? I initially dismissed this as a mere marketing stunt, and perhaps it is, but it undeniably worked. The aroma is a medley of fresh fruit and roasted nuts; the sherry cask played a significant role. The palate is varied but somehow concludes exceptionally well. It's like a football team composed of misfits and a diverse group, yet they manage to win the championship. It has a waxy mouthfeel; maybe the distillery contributed significantly to that. I only had a sample, but I'll consider purchasing a bottle.
Nose: Sherry, chocolate-covered raisins, cinnamon, and a whisper of peat. Taste: A full, rich palate presents baked apples, warm spices, aged oak, leather, and dark chocolate. Finish: Lingers for a moderate duration with notes of warm spices, sherry, chocolate, and aged oak.
Very spicy, very smooth. Completely devoid of smokiness.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
