Talisker 10 Year Old

Talisker

Built: 1840. Current Owner: Diageo. Production Capacity: 1,900,000 litres. House style: A little peaty, but particularly peppery, this "Lava of the Cuillins" is undoubtedly one of the greats with a complex of heather, rope and smoke. Talisker is the only distillery on Skye. The word ‘talisker’ can be derived from the High Scots word Talamh Sgeir and refers to the echo cliff which lies close to the distillery. In 1823 there were seven licensed distilleries recorded on Skye, not to mention the dozens of illicit stills that would have been operating as well. A significant part of the production at Talisker is used in the popular Johnnie Walker whisky. However, the number of official single malt bottlings has increased in recent years. Talisker is known primarily for their 10 year-old single malt which is also included in the ‘Six Classic Malts’ collection. Talisker is currently the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, although plans exist to build a new distillery somewhere on the island.

The nose is typically Islay with a beautiful blend of salty ocean spray, seaweed, iodine and the hints of smoked dry fish. A whiff of sausages on a hot barbecue come through all the initial aromas. Mingled with all the smokiness is the delicate balance of sweet honey.

The palate delivers what the nose promises but this time whipped into the mix are oily charred nuts and sprinkles of leathery tobacco. Spices make their way to the back of the throat but are nicely balances with all the other flavor profiles.

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