Talisker 21 Years Old 1951 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Talisker single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 21 year old from 1951 and bottled at 43%. Just 600 bottles were filled. Talisker was opened at Carbost in 1831 on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye; for nearly two centuries it was the only distillery on Skye. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas to keep the character.

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 refill American oak cask held it, keeping the peppery character to the fore. At this age it is mellow and waxy, the smoke folded into a rich, maritime body. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. The peat is medium rather than heavy, leaving the smoke balanced and coastal. Talisker was for nearly two centuries the only working distillery on the Isle of Skye.

At 43% it is balanced and peppery. A quiet vanilla from the barrel, while peat smoke, citrus and a peppery warmth lead. It is bold and coastal, the peat and pepper to the fore. The finish runs oily, smoky and warm. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.