Talisker Aged 8 Years Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 2021 Special Release (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 59.7%           Age: 8 Years Old          Country: Scotland

Talisker distillery is an Island single malt Scotch whisky distillery based in Carbost, Scotland on the Isle of Skye. This Scottish West Coast distillery is operated by Diageo who also own distilleries such as Lagavulin, Cardhu, Cragganmore, Mortlach and many more. The distillery was founded in 1830 but rebuilt in 1880. The malted barley used in production comes from Muir of Ord and Talisker has an unusual feature, swan neck lye pipes. A loop in the pipes takes the vapour from the stills to the worm tubs so some of the alcohol already condenses before it reaches the cooler. It then runs back into the stills and is distilled again. Talisker now has an output of three and a half million litres of spirit per annum.

The 2021 collection, drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables, and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. Drawn from renowned distilleries, the collection nods to the hidden gems that can be found in each corner of the Scottish terrain amongst the lochs and rugged highlands. The annual, carefully selected line-up highlights the diversity of our most treasured whisky reserves maturing in Scotland. Each whisky will be visually brought to life with heavily detailed illustrations and design work from renowned digital illustrator Ken Taylor. His striking signature style and interpretation of the mythical creatures takes cues from his portfolio of pop culture artwork.

Activated through an on-pack QR code, a multi-sensory experience begins with a narration of the cask-strength Single Malts’ tale. Enthusiasts are then guided through a mixed reality tasting experience, designed to captivate their senses and bring a taste of Scotland to their homes.

This Talisker has been aged for a minimum 8 years in heavily peated refill casks helping this smokey whisky drink more like an Islay whisky. This bottling is punchy and intense and so it should be when it’s described as coming from Taliskers most heavily peated reserves. Bottled at 59.7% ABV.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet notes of vanilla and stone fruits develop into freshly baked sponge. Smouldering bonfires and salty sea air with hints of seaweed and black pepper.

Taste: Smoke, smoke and more smoke. It integrates with freshly cracked black pepper, charred heather and honey sweetness and some peach melba.

Finish: Long with green chillies, black pepper and caramel logs.