Talisker 43 Year Old Special Release 2021 "Xpedition Oak" Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A very special release from The Isle of Skye's Talisker Distillery, for which adventurer James Aiken carried some barrel staves on a solo trans-Atlantic journey tracking the same same route taken by Talisker Team's 3264-mile rowing challenge.  Once these staves came back from their eXPEDITION, they were then inserted into 10 casks of whisky which have been aged for at least 43 years, creating a unique finishing process that further infused the whisky with the spirit of the sea. The 1830 bottles released are a homage to the founding year of the distillery and the packaging includes a piece of the actual stave.  

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 sea-air and warm sand, all swirling above a faintly smoky and waxy base. Palate: A smooth testure 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 very good to drink neat. Finish: Really long, with a considerable sweet chill-pepperwarmth that suffuses the whole palate. (Tasting Notes from the Producer)