What you need to know:

• Talisker is launching only their second triple cask matured expression to date, featuring their new sustainable label that outlines the coast that the distillery sits on.
• The triple cask maturation sees the new Talisker matured first in refill oak casks, followed a second leg of maturation in heavily-charred oak casks, and then finally a third leg in older European oak puncheons.
• This is supposedly going to result in a combination of the usual Talisker campfire smoke, with sweeter notes - just intensely smoky, spicy and a chilli pepper power on the finish.
• A total of 2,000 bottles of the new Talisker Elements will be released, each bottled at 58% ABV, and will be retailed at 495 GBP at only the distillery's shop.
• This will lead up to the distillery's new visitor experience center due to be unveiled in the summer of 2022, as part of Diageo's big 185m GBP investment to boost Scottish tourism. Other distilleries under Diageo's stable such as Cardhu, Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Caol Ila are also due for new visitor center launches.
• Cop the Drop or Not Verdict: Not. Unless you'd like to play a hand in getting the new visitor center up.

Talisker is launching only their second triple cask matured expression to date, featuring their new green clothes (Read more: Talisker gets some new green clothes! Sustainable packaging drives makeover!) - their sustainability-conscious label design, which actually outlines the coast that Talisker Distillery is located on. Really one of the most thoughtfully crafted sustainability-focused initiatives we've seen. Brilliant!

The triple cask maturation sees the new Talisker matured first in refill oak casks, followed a second leg of maturation in heavily-charred oak casks, and then finally a third leg in older European oak puncheons.

This is supposedly going to result in a combination of the usual Talisker campfire smoke, with sweeter notes - just intensely smoky, spicy and a chilli pepper power on the finish.

(Image Source: Just Drinks)

“The Isle of Skye is a constant inspiration for the whisky we craft and this bottle celebrates the power and depth of the elements around us by exploring the thunderous waves of flavours unique to Talisker’s rugged coastal home.

From intense smoky winds and beastly storms to sweet soaring skies and salty maritime aromas, the explorer spirit of Skye is captured by Talisker Elements."

- Daniel Lumsden, Talisker Distillery Manager

A total of 2,000 bottles of the new Talisker Elements will be released, each bottled at 58% ABV, and will be retailed at 495 GBP at only the distillery's shop.

“Whisky lovers who brave the long journey to meet us on Skye will certainly be rewarded for their adventurous spirit by having the chance to taste what I regard as the most expressive, elemental Talisker released yet.”

This will lead up to the distillery's new visitor experience center due to be unveiled in the summer of 2022, as part of Diageo's big 185m GBP investment to boost Scottish tourism. Other distilleries under Diageo's stable such as Cardhu, Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Caol Ila are also due for new visitor center launches.

Our Take

Diageo is going pretty hard on amping up the distilleries in their arsenal, from the relaunch of Brora and Port Ellen (the last of the legendary trio, Rosebank, was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers, but will also be due for a relaunch) to the refurbishment of Cardhu, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Talisker and Caol Ila, among others. Much of this is obviously to take advantage of global tourism's down period to clean things up and get them ready to receive visitors for when tourism's back alive and kicking. Pretty strategic move, but alas we aren't here to talk business!

That said, all these cost money and then simple math tells us that spirits companies probably need to then sell more spirits, hence the slew of new releases, all slapped with eye watering prices, such as the recent Caol Ila 175th Anniversary bottling which was priced at US$399. Yet, the demand has been insatiable. By who? A quick gander at the auction sites comes with little surprise as many of these bottles pass through the doors of Whisky Auctioneer's warehouse it seems. I can only wonder if they are being purchased by other penguins (flippers...get it?).

But all's good because it's for a good cause isn't it? We get new visitor centers! So you won't hear a word from me.

Cop the Drop or Not Verdict: Not. Unless you'd like to play a hand in getting the new visitor center up.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot