Talisker The Distillers Edition 13 Years Old 1989

This Talisker, an official release, a 13 year old Skye malt from 1989, drawn from cask TD-S: 5DP and bottled at 45.8%. Set on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. 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. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the smoke in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Past a decade the smoke mellows, the pepper settling over an oily, maritime spirit. Medium peating leaves the smoke balanced rather than overwhelming. The worm tubs build the full, oily body that carries the smoke and pepper. For most of its life Talisker stood alone on Skye, until Torabhaig opened in 2017.

At an easy 45.8% it is gentle and briny. 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. It is bold and coastal, the peat and pepper to the fore. The close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is a bold Island single malt from Carbost.