Talisker 20 Years Old 1979 (Authentic Collection)

A Talisker single malt, selected and bottled by Cadenhead's, aged 20 year old from 1979 and bottled at 61.5%. The outturn was 318 bottles. Set on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. 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 came in ex-Bourbon wood, vanilla beneath the maritime smoke. Long ageing brings a soft smoke, dried fruit and a mellow, peppery brine. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas. 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.

At a full 61.5% it is concentrated and oily. 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 close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.