Talisker 1970 Tactical The Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

From Douglas Laing comes this Talisker matured to 31 year old from 1970 and bottled at 50%. A release of 222 bottles. Opened at Carbost in 1831 on the Minginish peninsula of Skye, Talisker is the maritime malt of Skye. For nearly two centuries it was the only working distillery on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

The spirit was run through the unusual two and three still set up and cooled in worm tubs, for the rich, oily, peppery make at its heart. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the smoky spirit. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, mellow smoke and tropical fruit with a faint brine. The worm tubs slow the copper contact, building the full, oily body Talisker is known for. The worm tubs build the full, oily body that carries the smoke and pepper. For most of its life Talisker stood alone on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and sea spray, smoke and cracked pepper, with soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Soft smoke and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. The finish is long, smoky and peppery. This is the peppery maritime malt of Skye.