In 1830, the MacAskill brothers rowed across the Atlantic from the Isle of Eigg to the formidable shores of the Isle of Skye. There they ended one adventure and began another – Talisker. The Talisker Xpedition Oak series is a new adventure entirely: a whisky shaped by nature. The series was born to celebrate wild whisky making with a collection of rare aged single malt scotches that have been shaped by the natural elements – finished in casks including staves that have been on a wilderness journey to reveal a truly rare and unique whisky. Talisker staves have travelled with renowned adventurist, James Aiken as he single-handedly traversed the same route travelled by the rowers of the exhilarating Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – the premier event in ocean rowing that sees competitors race across more 3000 miles of untamed sea – from La Gomera, Canary Islands, to Antigua. After being aged for over 4 decades, the Talisker 43yr Xpedition Oak was finally finished in 10 casks, each of which included a few staves that traversed the harsh and beautiful elements of the Atlantic with wild spirit James Aiken – this is Talisker’s finest expression of Made by the Sea to date.
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
Deep clear amber. Excellent beading.
BODY
Full.
NOSE
Mellow overall and slightly spicy, with a fruity top note of bruised apple and a smooth, aromatic hint of wax. Beneath these scents lie intriguing rich layers of aroma; notes of canvas and varnished wood mingle with maritime hints of seaair and warm sand, all swirling above a faintly smoky and waxy base.
PALATE
A smooth texture and a vibrant, juicy start introduce a sweet, rich, intensity with a fresh, balancing splash of ocean salt spray. The effect becomes lightly drying before Talisker’s peppery warmth envelops the palate. Mesmerising overall, it cascades with smooth, rich flavour and is excellent to drink neat.
FINISH
Wonderfully long, with a considerable sweet chilipepper warmth that suffuses the whole palate.
