Talisker The Distillers Edition 10 Years Old 2011

This Talisker, an official release, a 10 year old release from 2011, drawn from cask TD-S: 5XJ and bottled at 45.8%. Established in 1830 on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle 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.

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. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the smoky spirit. Still young, the malt is smoky and peppery with a coastal punch. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. For most of its life Talisker stood alone on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017. Carbost is a tiny port on the wild west coast of Skye. The peat is medium rather than heavy, leaving the smoke balanced and coastal.

At 45.8% it is supple and smoky. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and a quiet vanilla from the barrel, 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.