Made by the Sea and Embodying its Wild Spirit for Nearly 200 Years.
With its acclaimed 2023 limited edition release, the Talisker distillery has announced the eagerly awaited yearly return of Talisker 30 Year Old. The rough coasts of Scotland's Isle of Skye are embodied in Talisker 30 Year Old, a whisky produced by the sea. On the seashore next to the fabled Oyster Shed, where whisky has been traditionally paired with local, fresh oysters for decades, the distillery has been producing single malt scotch whisky for almost 200 years. Talisker 30 Year Old was developed to pay homage to the natural beauty of the Isle while also paying homage to the distillery's location and tradition of seafood pairings.
The beverage, which took three decades to create, honours its native wildness. The weather calms down as the land rises, and smooth, smoky clouds swirl and part over prickly peaks. The island's highest point offers a serene view of Lake Harport, which spans as far as the eye can see, and the full splendour of the island below. The particular features of the Isle's landscape and the merroir of the nearby waters are nicely captured in Talisker 30 Years Old.
This unfiltered, uncolored version is bottled at natural cask strength and is chosen annually from refill American Oak barrels. The distillery's signatures of rising sweet smoke and sharp pepperiness are present in the Talisker 30 Year Old, a sophisticated and nuanced whisky.
Talisker has joined forces with Real Oyster Cult to offer seafood and whisky fanatics curated pairings alongside the Single Malt made by the sea. The coastal origins of Talisker liquid create the whisky's signature maritime and briny notes – making it the perfect Scotch for oyster and caviar pairings.
Stuart Morrison, Master Blender and Whisky Specialist at DIAGEO, said, “The three decades spent in oak casks allow Talisker’s distillery character to develop refined and exquisite qualities. As the spirit ages through its twenties, the fruit flavors become even more complex, giving us fragrant tropical notes and the peppery smokiness that moves from coal-tar to a warming, smoldering bonfire. A truly spectacular Talisker liquid, every sip is a celebration of the magnificence of Skye.”
Talisker and Real Oyster Cult have teamed together to give seafood and whisky connoisseurs selected pairings alongside the Single Malt created by the sea to commemorate this unprecedented debut in the U.S. Talisker liquid's seaside origins give it distinctive nautical and saline flavours, making it the ideal Scotch for oyster and caviar combinations.
Via their app and website, Real Oyster Cult brings an oyster bar experience to customers' homes all throughout the United States. They curate delicious seafood and caviar as well as seasonal, fresh oysters from more than 100 farms in North America. Locally grown oysters are also produced at Duxbury, Massachusetts on Cape Cod Bay, notably the small, succulent Sailor's Sweetheart, which blends beautifully with the mild saltiness and comforting smokiness of Talisker 30 Year Old. The addition of Real Oyster Cult's Royal Belgian Platinum Caviar as a garnish enriches the gastronomic journey and creates the ultimate premium combination, elevating the experience to new heights.
Talisker is partnering with actor and writer Peter Gadiot to inspire individuals to embrace the outdoors and reconnect with the natural world. Together, they aim to ignite a sense of adventure, inviting whisky aficionados to raise a glass to the wild spirits within them.
In addition, Talisker is working with author and actor Peter Gadiot to encourage people to appreciate the great outdoors and re-establish a connection with nature. Peter, who spends much of his free time wandering outdoors, epitomises the rustic luxury and coastal attitude much as Talisker does. Together, they hope to inspire a spirit of exploration and invite whisky lovers to raise a glass to their inner wild spirits.
"I couldn't be more excited to join forces with Talisker, a brand that resonates deeply with my love for the untamed beauty of nature. It’s a privilege for me to commemorate the launch of Talisker 30 Year Old, a whisky that embodies the essence of time-honored craftsmanship,” said Gadiot. “Together, we embark on a remarkable journey of exploration and appreciation, toasting to the wonders of the outdoors.”
The Breakdown:
ABV: Natural Cask Strength 49.6%
AGE: 30 Years
SRP: $1,099.99 USD
CASK TYPE: American Oak
BOTTLING YEAR: 2022
ANNUAL RELEASE VOLUME: 3,195 Bottles Globally, 561 Bottles U.S.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Freshly cut orchard fruits, waxy red apples, fragrant white pepper, cinder toffee and a subtle creaminess. A fresh maritime breeze passes, alongside the growing presence of tropical fruits, cocoa nibs and a beach bonfire.
Taste: A warming smokiness on the palate, with a chili pepper prickle and a gentle salinity, fading to reveal layers of apple and pear, smoldering embers, and notes of spicy oak.
Finish: A lingering warmth, with a peppery and cinnamon tingle alongside notes of ripe fruit, roasted hazelnut and a hint of vanilla.
Discover more: Talisker