Talisker Single Cask 34 Years Old 1975

This Talisker, an official release, a 34 year old release from 1975, drawn from cask 4982 and bottled at 45.1%. 250 bottles in all. Founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the storm battered coast of Skye, Talisker is the maritime malt of Skye. Talisker distilled three times until 1928, which is why it keeps two wash stills and three spirit stills.

Distilled on Hawk Hill water through worm tub condensers, building the bold maritime style Talisker is loved for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a vanilla beneath the smoke. At three decades and more the smoke is a soft whisper over beeswax, dried fruit and a gentle pepper. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the smoky, peppery core over time. 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 full 45.1% it is concentrated and oily. A touch of vanilla and oak sweetness, while brine, citrus and a smoky pepper lead. It is bold and coastal, the peat and pepper to the fore. It finishes smoky, salty and warming. This is a bold Island single malt from Carbost.