Talisker 14 Years Old 1978 An Aromatic Selection from Distillery (Samaroli)

Samaroli bottled this Talisker single malt, a 14 year old release from 1978 and bottled at 46%. Talisker was first built in 1830 on the storm battered coast of Skye, and it has captured the wild spirit of Skye since 1830. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, around eighteen to twenty two parts per million.

Distilled on Hawk Hill water through worm tub condensers, building the bold maritime style Talisker is loved for. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the smoke in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Mid age brings a deeper, oilier smoke and a warming peppery lift. The rich, oily make carries cask flavour while holding its peppery edge. 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.

At 46% it is soft, smoky and coastal. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and smoke, salt and a warming pepper, with a touch of vanilla and oak sweetness. Beneath the smoke run brine, citrus and a peppery oil. The close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is a smoky, peppery Island whisky.