Talisker Select Reserve – House Greyjoy

This Talisker, an official release and bottled at 45.8%. Founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the storm battered coast of Skye, Talisker is the maritime malt of Skye. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas to keep the character.

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. Without an age statement, the malt is bold, smoky and coastal. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the smoky, peppery core over time. After a stillhouse fire in 1960, the five stills were rebuilt as exact replicas. The distillery faces the water across to the hills of Skye. Talisker is made by the sea, and matured within reach of the salt air. The signature is a black pepper kick, the so called chilli catch, over maritime smoke.

At 45.8% it is soft, smoky and coastal. A touch of vanilla and oak sweetness, while peat smoke, citrus and a peppery warmth lead. A sea salt and a cracked pepper lift it. It finishes smoky, salty and warming. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.