Talisker 30 Years Old (50.7%)

This official Talisker single malt, a 30 year old Skye malt and bottled at 50.7%. A release of 2958 bottles. Set on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. For nearly two centuries it was the only working distillery on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

It was worked through the distillery's looped stills and worm tubs, from medium peated malt, for the peppery, maritime spirit Talisker is known for. A sherry cask held it, sherry and smoke twining together. Very old Talisker turns profound, oily and smoky yet soft and waxy. Refill oak lets the distillery's peppery, briny character lead. Talisker is made by the sea, and matured within reach of the salt air. The signature is a black pepper kick, the so called chilli catch, over maritime smoke. Founded by the MacAskill brothers in 1830, it is Skye's oldest distillery.

At 50.7%, undiluted, it is bold and smoky. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and sea spray, smoke and cracked pepper, with a quiet vanilla from the barrel. Beneath the smoke run brine, citrus and a peppery oil. The close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is the peppery maritime malt of Skye.