Talisker 6 Years Old 2008 Cask #DL 10561 (Old Particular)

From Douglas Laing comes this Talisker, aged 6 year old from 2008, drawn from cask DL 10561 and bottled at 61.1%. Set on the storm battered coast of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. For nearly two centuries it was the only working distillery on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

Distilled on Hawk Hill water through worm tub condensers, building the bold maritime style Talisker is loved for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak under the smoke. At a youthful age the smoke runs bold and the brine bright. The rich, oily make carries cask flavour while holding its peppery edge. Its 10 year old is the Island malt of Diageo's Classic Malts selection. The unusual two wash and three spirit still set up is a relic of triple distillation, dropped in 1928. 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 61.1%, undiluted, it is bold and smoky. Sea spray, smoke and cracked pepper, with a touch of vanilla and oak sweetness. Soft smoke and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. Smoke, brine and pepper draw out the close. This is the peppery maritime malt of Skye.