Talisker 30 Years Old

This Talisker, an official release, a 30 year old and bottled at 45.8%. The outturn was 3738 bottles. Talisker, built in 1831 at Carbost on the storm battered coast of Skye, is a Diageo Classic Malt. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas to keep the character.

Distilled on Hawk Hill water through worm tub condensers, building the bold maritime style Talisker is loved for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, vanilla beneath the maritime smoke. At three decades and more the smoke is a soft whisper over beeswax, dried fruit and a gentle pepper. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the smoky, peppery core over time. Its 10 year old is the Island malt of Diageo's Classic Malts selection. The unusual two wash and three spirit still set up is a relic of triple distillation, dropped in 1928. An old visitors book records guests calling since the turn of the last century.

Reduced to 45.8%, it is mellow. A touch of vanilla and oak sweetness, while peat smoke, citrus and a peppery warmth lead. A sea salt and a cracked pepper lift it. The finish runs oily, smoky and warm. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.