Talisker 25 Years Old (59.9%)

This Talisker, an official release matured to 25 year old from 1975 and bottled at 59.9%. 6000 bottles in all. Talisker was first built in 1830 on the storm battered coast of Skye, and it has captured the wild spirit of Skye since 1830. Talisker distilled three times until 1928, which is why it keeps two wash stills and three spirit stills.

Distilled on Hawk Hill water through worm tub condensers, building the bold maritime style Talisker is loved for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a vanilla beneath the smoke. Past twenty years the spirit turns deep and oily while keeping its smoky edge. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the smoky, peppery core over time. Founded by the MacAskill brothers in 1830, it is Skye's oldest distillery. The worm tubs build the full, oily body that carries the smoke and pepper. For most of its life Talisker stood alone on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

Bottled at a cask strength 59.9%, it is intense. A touch of vanilla and oak sweetness, while brine, citrus and a smoky pepper lead. It is bold and coastal, the peat and pepper to the fore. The finish is long, smoky and peppery. This is a bold Island single malt from Carbost.