Talisker 8 Years Old TDA

This official Talisker single malt, aged 8 year old and bottled at 80%. Talisker, first built in 1830 on the Minginish peninsula of Skye, is a Diageo Classic Malt. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, around eighteen to twenty two parts per million.

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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak under the smoke. At this age the smoke is vigorous and the pepper sharp over a briny spirit. The worm tubs slow the copper contact, building the full, oily body Talisker is known for. 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. The unusual two wash and three spirit still set up is a relic of triple distillation, dropped in 1928.

At a hearty 80% it carries real weight. Smoke, salt and a warming pepper, with soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Soft smoke and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. The finish runs oily, smoky and warm. This is a smoky, peppery Island whisky.