Talisker 30 Years Old (48.5%)

This Talisker, an official release, a 30 year old release and bottled at 48.5%. Just 3216 bottles were filled. Opened at Carbost in 1831 on the Minginish peninsula of Skye, Talisker is the maritime malt of Skye. Talisker distilled three times until 1928, which is why it keeps two wash stills and three spirit stills.

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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a vanilla beneath the smoke. At three decades and more the smoke is a soft whisper over beeswax, dried fruit and a gentle pepper. The U shaped lyne arms add reflux and an oily refinement to the spirit. The peat is medium rather than heavy, leaving the smoke balanced and coastal. Talisker was for nearly two centuries the only working distillery on the Isle of Skye. Its 10 year old is the Island malt of Diageo's Classic Malts selection.

At its natural 48.5% it is rich and peppery. Soft vanilla and honey from the cask, while brine, citrus and a smoky pepper lead. It is bold and coastal, the peat and pepper to the fore. It finishes smoky, salty and warming. This is a bold Island single malt from Carbost.