Talisker 12 Years Old (45.8%)

This Talisker, an official release, aged 12 year old and bottled at 45.8%. The outturn was 21500 bottles. Talisker, founded in 1830 by the MacAskill brothers on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle 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.

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. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid smoked dried fruit over the peat. Mid age brings a deeper, oilier smoke and a warming peppery lift. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. The distillery faces the water across to the hills of Skye. 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.

At 45.8% it is smooth and smoky. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and a quiet vanilla from the barrel, 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.