Talisker Diageo Special Releases 2003 20 Years Old 1982

This Talisker, an official release matured to 20 year old from 1982 and bottled at 58.8%. A release of 12000 bottles. Talisker was founded in 1830 by the MacAskill brothers on the Minginish peninsula of Skye, and it is a Diageo Classic Malt and the island's standard bearer. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas to keep the character.

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. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the peat and pepper lead. Long ageing brings a soft smoke, dried fruit and a mellow, peppery brine. The U shaped lyne arms add reflux and an oily refinement to the spirit. 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.

At a hearty 58.8% it carries real weight. Soft vanilla and honey from the cask, while peat smoke, citrus and a peppery warmth lead. A sea salt and a cracked pepper lift it. The finish is long, smoky and peppery. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.