Talisker 8 Years Old 2011 (Hepburn’s Choice)

This is a Talisker single malt, chosen and bottled by Hunter Laing matured to 8 year old from 2011 and bottled at 46%. The outturn was 888 bottles. Talisker was opened at Carbost in 1831 by Loch Harport, beneath the Cuillin hills; for nearly two centuries it was the only distillery on Skye. Water comes from the Cnoc nan Speireag, the Hawk Hill, springs above the distillery.

It was drawn off stills whose looped lyne arms and worm tubs build a rich, oily spirit, from peated malt, for a smoky, coastal spirit with a chilli kick. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the smoke in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At this age the smoke is vigorous and the pepper sharp over a briny spirit. Sea air works into the warehouses by Loch Harport, lending a saline thread. The worm tubs build the full, oily body that carries the smoke and pepper.

At 46% it is balanced and peppery. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and sea brine, smoke and a black pepper kick ride over a gentle vanilla under the smoke. The texture is oily and full, the smoke threaded with salt. The finish is deep, oily and peppery. This is Skye's famous peppery single malt.