Located on the storm-lashed western Scottish island of Skye, the Talisker Distillery was built in 1830 by the Mac Askill brothers. One of the finest, yet most remote distilleries, Talisker was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1960 but was fastidiously rebuilt in the same way.

For the first distillation, Talisker’s boil balls have U-shaped lye pipes leading off from their long main necks in order to give more personality to its single malt. This step is then followed by a second distillation but for both of them only soft peaty water drawn from 21 underground springs rising from Hawk Hill is used.

Talisker’s nose is characterised by seaweed, clouds of smoke and some peppery hints in the distance. Surprisingly fruity and juicy, a nice maritime freshness is combined with waxy and dried fruit sweetness. The finish is medium to long and really surprising.

Talisker’s great complexity makes of this single malt one of the best whiskies.