"Selected from the last four 1979 refill American Oak hogsheads that spent their time in the storm lashed warehouse, No.4, Talisker’s closet chamber to the Atlantic Ocean. Supremely rugged, smooth and muscular.” “Made by the sea, Talisker is renowned for its maritime character. Can you taste that sea air? Do the dampness in the walls and the salt spray in the air make a difference to maturation? How much is lost to the angels’ share? If any Talisker can tell you it is surely this one. I have selected the last four 1979 refill American Oak hogsheads to have spent their lives maturing in the special Talisker warehouse closest to the sea, No. 4. The white walls are by turns soaked, freezing, dry and warm as the seasons turn and the micro-climate in this oasis of calm reflects the wildly varied weather of the Isle of Skye. The nose is characterful, with lightly oily and smoky top notes that lead into scents of the sea-shore; sweet edible seaweed, sea-breezes and warm sand. A deliciously mellow, lightly oily texture introduces a sweet and rich start, the smokiness rolling in with, yes, a little salt mid-palate. It is peppery too, as you would expect, with chilli in the warming finish and more linseed oil in the aftertaste. This is a supremely rugged, smooth and muscular sea-lion of a Talisker. Unfortunately, there was precious little left in each cask. Perhaps keeping whisky away from those angels beside the sea is harder than it seems...” - Maureen Robinson, Master Blender