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About Talisker Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Talisker, Scotland. Founded in 1830
Where Sea Meets Smoke – The Spirit of Skye
There’s something rugged and unapologetic about Talisker. Maybe it’s the setting — perched right on the edge of the Isle of Skye, with waves crashing below and sea spray in the air. Or maybe it’s the whisky itself — fiery, peppery, and full of that unmistakable maritime punch.
Talisker was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, two brothers with a dream (and clearly a strong constitution for the West Coast weather). Today, it’s one of the most iconic single malt producers in Scotland — and the oldest working distillery on Skye. Through fires, rebuilds, and changing hands, it’s kept its bold identity intact.
Now part of Diageo’s “Classic Malts” lineup, Talisker continues to do its own thing — double distillation, worm tub condensers, and that wild coastal character that makes every dram feel like a storm in a glass.
Taste Profile
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Peaty / Smokey |
Briny / Maritime | Spicy |
Talisker is not shy. It’s the kind of whisky that grabs your attention with a smoky hello and follows up with pepper, salt, and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.
Talisker is renowned for its bold, smoky single malt whiskies. The distillery is particularly famous for its peppery spice and sea-spray salinity. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Black pepper heat
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Smouldering peat smoke
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Briny seaweed tang
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Hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Peat Smoke |
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Brine / Sea Salt |
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Dark Chocolate / Cocoa |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
Popular Bottlings from Talisker
| Expression | ABV / Age | Flavour Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Talisker 10 Year Old | 45.8% | Peat smoke, briny sharpness, black pepper, rich sweetness |
| Talisker Storm | NAS | Intense smoke and sea spray, spicy finish, youthful energy |
| Talisker Skye | NAS | Softer and sweeter, lighter peat and citrus |
| Talisker 18 Year Old | 45.8% | Mellow peat, mature oak, dark chocolate, coastal complexity |
| Talisker Distillers Edition | Amoroso cask finish | Richer fruit, balanced spice and a smoother smoky edge |
From fiery youth to deep-aged elegance, there’s a Talisker for every mood.
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The Distillery
Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery, Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SR, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 Talisker Distillery |
 01478 614308 |
Visitor Information
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Address: Talisker Distillery, Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SR, Scotland
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Telephone: 01478 614308
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Opening Times:
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March to October: Daily, 10:00 – 17:30
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November to February: Limited hours, check ahead if visiting during winter
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Tours run frequently, and the visitor centre offers tastings, dram flights, and sweeping views over Loch Harport. Whether you're a casual sipper or full-on peat freak, it’s a stop worth making.
Ownership and History
Current Owner:
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Diageo
Historical Highlights:
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1830: Founded by the MacAskill brothers
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1880s–1900s: Rebuilt and modernised after a fire
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1925–1980s: Became part of Distillers Company Ltd, later United Distillers
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1990s–Present: One of the six “Classic Malts” and core to Diageo’s whisky range
Talisker’s always stood apart. Even within the Diageo family, it feels like the wild cousin — bold, slightly unpredictable, but loved for it.
Distillery Facts
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Location: Situated in Carbost on the Isle of Skye — the only distillery on the island for many years.
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Founded: Established in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill.
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Ownership: Owned by Diageo, and part of its Classic Malts collection.
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Water Source: Draws water from Cnoc nan Speireag (Hawk Hill) springs.
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Peat Level: Moderately peated (~18–22 ppm), delivering a smoky but balanced profile.
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Still Setup: Features five stills — two wash stills and three spirit stills. The wash stills have U-shaped lye pipes, contributing to its signature peppery character.
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Fermentation: Long fermentation contributes to fruitiness and complexity.
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Signature Style: Bold and coastal — combines maritime saltiness, black pepper spice, peat smoke, and sweetness.
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Flagship Expression: Talisker 10 Year Old – a staple in smoky whisky collections, known for its peppery kick and sea-salt finish.
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Other Expressions: Includes Talisker Storm, Skye, Port Ruighe, 18 Year Old, and Distillers Edition (usually sherry finished).
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Maturation: Primarily in ex-bourbon casks, with some special finishes (e.g., port, sherry).
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Visitor Centre: Offers guided tours, tastings, and scenic views of Loch Harport and the Cuillin Hills.
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Blending Role: Also contributes whisky to Johnnie Walker blends, particularly the smoky components.
