Talisker 45-year-old Glacial Edge Ice Fractured Casks / 49.8%/ 0.7l

Glacial Edge 45 years old is the latest in a series of experimental Talisker whiskies released in partnership with the charity Parley for the Oceans, and is also the oldest officially released whisky from the distillery.

To achieve this desired effect, the company sent 12 heavily charred American oak barrels to the Arctic Circle where, after removing the lids, the barrels were exposed to Arctic temperatures for 96 hours. The frost caused cracks in the wood and consequently increased its penetration by the whisky during the final maturation. Talisker Glacial Edge was bottled at 49.8% abv in 2023 in an edition limited to 2,455 bottles. (Official tasting note.)

Aroma: rich, slightly dry, with a note of pepper that stands out at the beginning. Seaweed washed ashore, sand from dunes after rain, iodine and salt crystals and a trace of slaked lime, followed by the subtle sweetness of dried fruit – figs, sultanas and plums – gives the bouquet another dimension. In the background, delicate smoke and the scent of sandalwood, and adding a drop of water releases notes of fruit salad.

Taste: complex, initially intense sweetness, followed by subtle notes of sea salt and a distant whiff of peat smoke, finally black pepper and chili peppers. The water tempers the spiciness of the pepper with the sweetness of caramel mixed with sea salt crystals.

Finish: very long, slightly waxy, subtle notes of chili, sea salt and a pinch of pepper wrapped in fragrant smoke.