Talisker The Keepers of the Quaich 19 Years Old 1998

This Talisker, an official release, aged 19 year old from 1998, drawn from cask 6829 and bottled at 56.6%. The outturn was 618 bottles. Talisker was established in 1830 on the storm battered coast of Skye; its peppery maritime malt is loved the world over. 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 Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the smoke in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Beyond twenty years the smoke turns gentle, the malt oily and deep with dried fruit and soft pepper. 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.

At cask strength 56.6% it is muscular. The Oloroso brings smoked dried fruit and a nutty depth, and 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. Smoke, brine and pepper draw out the close. This is a coastal Island malt with a chilli kick.