Talisker 44 Year Old Expedition Oak II, 49.1%

Calculated at 2 bottles for shipping purposes (due to weight)

Born of the sea, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 44-Year-Old: Forests of the Deep was created as a reflection on the power and beauty of our oceans. Only 1,997 bottles of this whisky will be released globally, inspired by an expedition led by Parley for the Oceans, Talisker’s partner in ocean conservation, to one of the world’s largest sea kelp forests near the Cape of Good Hope.

This Talisker release reaches new depths of flavour, combining enticing aromas and sweet, smoky maritime accents. It is an elemental Talisker with a wonderfully oily-smooth texture and umami-rich taste with a sweet chilli-pepper finish. This rare whisky has been nurtured for over four decades and finished in marine oak casks.

With support from Talisker, Parley undertook an expedition to one of the world’s largest sea kelp forests near the Cape of Good Hope. The mission yacht explored ‘The Great African Sea Forest’, where the expedition team of scientists, activists and filmmakers undertook a dive into its depths. On board the yacht were Talisker cask staves, which were later charred using a small amount of sustainably sourced Scottish sea kelp and stave wood shavings, before finishing the whisky's maturation journey. This exceptional whisky was then finished in these marine oak casks before bottling. Talisker continues to support Parley with its partnership with the organisation by raising awareness on their important mission with a goal to protect and preserve and rewild 100 million square metres of marine ecosystems around the world by 2023.

A LIMITED RELEASE: Only 1997 bottles released, from 10 marine charred casks to become their oldest and rarest whisky to date.

Tasting notes:
Appearance: Deep, clear amber. Excellent beading.

Body: Full.

Nose: True to a Talisker of age, the nose is mellow overall, with a peppery prickle that yields slowly to rich maritime top notes with traces of seaweed, salt crystals and warmed oak, over sweeter wafts of lemon zest and toffee. Beneath these scents lie intriguing layers of aroma; hints of canvas, brine-licked sea air and a distant beach bonfire.

Finish: Really long, with soft traces of candle wax as a sweet chilli-pepper warmth suffuses the palate, becoming mouth-cooling if water is added.