Talisker is the only distillery located on the Isle of Skye, and was founded by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill in 1830. The distillery was destroyed by fire in 1960, then rebuilt to original specifications, including commissioning identical stills to those that had been destroyed in the fire. It is presently owned by Diageo, and in 2014 became the 10th best selling single-malt in the world. People who love Talisker swear by its salty, maritime profile (due no doubt to its location along the shores of Loch Harport which flows directly to the Hebridean sea), along with pepper, liquorice and subtle peat smoke.
The 2015 release of the superb 30 Year Old official bottling comes in at ABV 45.8% (the standard Talisker strength) and an outturn of 3912 bottles.
Nose: Mild and unusually fruity, fading quickly into lush seaweed with charred sticks. Becoming soft and very slightly waxy or creamy, like fudge.
Palate: The smoke is immediate and dry with creamy oak. Almond milk and light, sweet stone fruits emerge, joined by a trace of salt.
Finish: Long, gently warming, with a lingering maritime aftertaste and just a white pepper tingle on the tongue in place of that chilli ‘catch'.
Size: 70 cl
ABV: 45.8%
Fill level: Good
With box?: Yes