Talisker 25 Years Old (45.8%)

This official Talisker single malt, aged 25 year old and bottled at 45.8%. Only 5946 bottles were released. Talisker was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the Minginish peninsula of Skye; it is the oldest working distillery on the Isle 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. 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. The worm tubs slow the copper contact, building the full, oily body Talisker is known for. An old visitors book records guests calling since the turn of the last century. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, the water from the Hawk Hill springs.

At 45.8% it is smooth and smoky. Sea spray, smoke and cracked pepper, with soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Beneath the smoke run brine, citrus and a peppery oil. Smoke, brine and pepper draw out the close. This is the peppery maritime malt of Skye.