Talisker Young & Feisty McG (Douglas McGibbon)

Douglas McGibbon bottled this Talisker single malt matured to 5 year old from 2008, drawn from cask DMG 10228 & 10462 and bottled at 46%. Founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the storm battered coast of Skye, Talisker is the maritime malt of Skye. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, around eighteen to twenty two parts per million.

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. Still young, the malt is smoky and peppery with a coastal punch. The rich, oily make carries cask flavour while holding its peppery edge. 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. Founded by the MacAskill brothers in 1830, it is Skye's oldest distillery.

At an easy 46% it is gentle and briny. Smoke, salt and a warming pepper, with a touch of vanilla and oak sweetness. Beneath the smoke run brine, citrus and a peppery oil. The finish is long, smoky and peppery. This is a smoky, peppery Island whisky.