Talisker 9 Years Old 2008 Cask #HL 15652 (Old Malt Cask)

Hunter Laing selected this Talisker, a 9 year old from 2008, drawn from cask HL 15652 and bottled at 50%. A release of 376 bottles. Talisker was built in 1831 at Carbost on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, and it remains Skye's most famous distillery. Talisker distilled three times until 1928, which is why it keeps two wash stills and three spirit stills.

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 in Oloroso sherry laid smoked dried fruit over the peat. Younger here, it keeps a fierce peat and a clear chilli kick. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. 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.

At a natural 50% it is powerful and oily. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and a quiet vanilla from the barrel, while brine, citrus and a smoky pepper lead. A sea salt and a cracked pepper lift it. The close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is a bold Island single malt from Carbost.