Talisker 8 Year Old Special Release 2021 ABV 59.7% 70cl

Strong and energetic in character; elemental in nature just as Highland and Island malts were in ‘the old days’ at this, the age when Talisker was traditionally bottled. A straight and classic Talisker, this is a wonderfully clearsighted, powerfully fire breathing sea monster of a malt, with a direct and bold nature.

Appearance: Pale golden straw, with greenish lights.

Nose: The mild nose feel gives little hint of the furious spirit soon to emerge. The top notes are sweet and maritime, an early cereal hint of porridge oats rapidly giving way to more cleansing and maritime aromas that suggest briny seaweed, crystal salt and iodine, on a base of mountain smoke. A drop of water softens things, increasing the maritime character.

Body: Medium.

Palate: A soft, oily texture and a big taste smoothly take control; almost perfumed at first yet salty and lightly sweet throughout, wonderfully peaty and smoky from the specially selected casks, this fiery sea monster has a full on peppery catch to savour late on. Water rounds it, adding a peppery prickle across the tongue, while the profile is similar overall.

Finish: Long, warming and persistent, finishing smoky, with lingering smoky malt in the aftertaste. Even better with a dash of water.

Alcohol content: 59.7%