Talisker 34 Years Old 1959 Black Label, Golden Eagle (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Talisker single malt, a 34 year old release from 1959 and bottled at 40%. Set on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, around eighteen to twenty two parts per million.

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. At three decades and more the smoke is a soft whisper over beeswax, dried fruit and a gentle pepper. Refill oak lets the distillery's peppery, briny character lead. 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. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas.

Reduced to 40%, it is mellow. Smoke, salt and a warming pepper, with a quiet vanilla from the barrel. Beneath the smoke run brine, citrus and a peppery oil. Smoke, brine and pepper draw out the close. This is a smoky, peppery Island whisky.