Talisker whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
The Isle of Skye, lost in the western expanses of Scotland, gave the world a unique, but truly exceptional kind of scotch.
An outstanding drink with a pronounced peaty and maritime spirit, borrowing a powerful, rebellious character from its harsh homeland, is highly appreciated by experts and amateurs: Jim Murray gave the drink 95 out of a possible 100 points, the writer Robert Stevenson called it "the king of whiskey" along with Islay and Glenlivet.
The special status of the island scotch is confirmed by international awards and frequent references in cinema.
History of the Talisker brand
The only distillery in the mysterious land of Skye that is still functioning today was founded by the landowners - the McAskill brothers. The western coast of the island, rich in seaweed and pure peat water, was chosen for the construction of the distillery.
After signing a lease for Talisker House and resettling local farmers from the surrounding area, brothers Hugh and Kenneth began construction.
The company near the town of Karbost started its work in 1830: it took several years to find the best recipe and technology. During the experiments, a unique distillation system was created, which allows to obtain alcohols unlike any other whiskey variety with accents of smoke, citrus, sulfur, salt and pepper. However, the assertive entrepreneurs did not achieve success: In 1848, the distillery went bankrupt.
The company was also unlucky with its new owners: it was resold at least three times until 1898 when it became part of the Dailuaine-Talisker Distillers Co. In 1928, the company's executives decided to abandon the triple distillation process used by the distillery for hundreds of years.
The mid-20th century brought new troubles to the distillery: "Talisker" was recovering from a large fire for a long time and was forced to close its own malt house.
It was only by the end of the century that the brand became successful: In 1988, it became one of the famous "six" classic Scottish malt whiskies and opened a visitor center for tourists. After the modernization of the production, the Talisker collection was replenished with new drinks, and the distillery itself became part of Diageo. Single malt spirits produced by the distillery are included in many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker, White Horse, Isle Of Skye, etc.
Specifics of production
The amazing taste and "violent" maritime character of the brand's drinks is not accidental. The company uses local raw materials and the original distillation system, which has been preserved after numerous reconstructions:
Soft water with a heather flavor is obtained from the Cnoc nan Speireag spring (in. from English. "falcon hill").
Medium peaty malt comes from the Glen Ord distillery.
Distilled twice on five tall U-shaped cubes.
To cool the alcohols, coils are used, which have already become a rarity.
Types and flavors of Talisker
Skye
A lively drink filled with smoky sweetness, sea and spices. Winner of the IWSC gold medal in 2015. Dedicated to the island of Skye, rich in contrasts.
Color: bright golden with copper interspersed.
Nose: salty citrus with accents of mango, seaweed and orange. Taste: mild at first, then spicy and tangy with a dry, long peaty finish.
Storm
Powerful fresh scotch in a pure golden hue that fills you with confidence.
Aroma: sweet and malty with tones of red berries, smoke, salt and pepper. The mild flavor has spicy, nutty, peaty and spicy notes.
Finish: smooth, long, warm.
Dark Storm
Aged in heavily charred oak barrels, the drink has an unbridled maritime character.
Color: amber-golden.
Aroma: salty, smoky, with hints of aromatic spices, oak, stewed apples.
Taste: smooth, sweet, with accents of fresh fruit, black currant, licorice and spices.
Finish: smoky, long, warming.
Port Ruighe
Double-aged scotch in port barrels, dedicated to Scottish pioneering traders.
Combines a powerful maritime character with the sweetness of juicy dark fruits.
Color: rich, honey color.
Main notes: ripe plums, spicy spices, peat.
Finish: long, unforgettable, with accents of cocoa and smoke.
10 Years Old
Classic aged Talisker - classic aged Talisker. Perfect drink to end the day: smooth, smoky, soothing.
Color: bright golden.
Main notes: peat, salt, citrus fruits, dried fruits, malt, pepper.
Finish: warm, spicy sweet.
Distillers Edition
Winner of more than a dozen medals. A perfect scotch that embodies a bittersweet harmony of crispy peat, pepper and juicy fruit.
Color: chestnut brown.
Aroma: spicy smoky.
Taste: rich, oily with notes of malt, heather, sherry, lingering chocolate and vanilla finish.
57° North
A powerful, explosive drink of high strength (57.8%), named after the latitude of the distillery.
Color: golden.
Nose: clean, rich, creamy and fruity with a slight smoky hint, hints of algae, heather and vanilla.
Taste: sweet, smoky and resinous, with an oily, spicy finish.
18 Years Old
Multiple award-winning scotch with an assertive character.
Color: copper. Bouquet: juicy, fruity, with tones of plums, orange peel, toffee, resin and smoke.
Finish: pleasant, warm, sweet and spicy.
25 Years Old
A mature golden-hued whisky, delicate and deep, with a recognizable spicy-salty character and a slow, bittersweet smoky finish.
30 Years Old
Elegant aged scotch with a creamy waxy texture for true connoisseurs.
Color: deep golden.
Nose: soft, intensely fruity, with hints of seaweed and burnt wood.
The taste is dominated by notes of smoke, oak, almond milk, sweet fruits and salt.
Finish: peppery and maritime, warming, long.
Neist Point
A drink named after a cape in the west of the island.
Color: deep gold with copper reflections.
Nose: hot and peppery, with hints of seaweed, fresh bread, wood and red fruits.
Taste: multifaceted, combining salty, honey, pepper and chocolate notes.
Finish: warm, smoked mint, with accents of tar, ash, ginger, lingering smokiness.
How to drink Talisker whisky
It is better to drink Talisker neat or with a little water.
Ideal appetizers: smoked salmon, aged cheeses, oysters, clams.
Cocktail lovers can mix the island whiskey with soda, ice, white pepper, vodka, citrus juice.
Update: 27.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon