Talisker – 18 Year Old (70cl, 45.8%)

An 18-year-old single malt from Talisker, the distillery on the Isle of Skye founded in 1830. It is bottled at 45.8% ABV in a 70cl bottle and has a dark amber colour. The Talisker spirit is made from medium-peated malt, with clear worts, long fermentation, five stills and worm tubs. At this age it is richer and softer, mixing fruit sweetness with smoke and peat. The nose is rich and fruity, with Victoria plums, greengages and dried orange peel, then butterscotch, rum toffee and a fine thread of smoke. The palate opens sweet before turning more assertive and warming, with smoke, coal tar, toffee, fruit and peat. The finish is medium in length, with a chilli catch.