Talisker Announces Talisker Magma 47 Year Old
Talisker has announced the release of Talisker Magma 47 Year Old, a single malt inspired by the volcanic origins of the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Talisker Magma was first matured in refill American oak hogsheads before being finished for four months in new American oak casks toasted by volcanic rocks from the Isle of Skye. Replacing the traditional open-flame method, the rocks are heated before the barrels rotate around them, toasting the interior without direct contact with the staves. Steaming during the process keeps the cask hydrated and maintains a steady, controlled temperature. Talisker claims that the absence of combustion brings out the taste of the fruit, developing notable depth and complexity and resulting in an elemental balance of sweet smoke, mineral salinity, and warming spice.
Official tasting notes for Talisker Magma 47 Year Old follow:
Nose: A mellow nose with a just gentle hint of that Talisker chili-pepper prickle. The initial impression is distinctly mineral and maritime, led by wet rocks, dry edible seaweed and salt crystals backed by sweet notes of Scottish toffee, then scented sandalwood with a trace of hessian. Later, a very faint smoky note suggests a bonfire in the background. This is increased if water is added.
Taste: A creamy-smooth, silky texture introduces an unusually mineral, intense and lightly sweet initial taste, with the mineral note becoming a familiar pinch of salt that joins with notes of sweet Scottish toffee mid-palate to herald the rise of an elemental spicy warmth. This spreads across the tongue like a never-ending flow of lava from the earth’s core, interweaving volcanic smoke and sweetness. The classic chili ‘catch’ at the back is smoother, yet still there. Water is not needed, but if added, a drop reduces the intensity and raises the mineral note.
Finish: Long with spicy but also mouth-cooling notes of Sichuan chili-pepper and a long, warming glow in the aftertaste. Magnificent.
Talisker Magma is bottled at 48.8% ABV and presented in a 100% recycled glass bottle with a gradient fade from clear to black, evoking the ocean depths and molten stone, while a hand-sculpted glass stopper inspired by volcanic obsidian ensures each bottle is subtly unique. The bottle is housed in a sculpture that mirrors the meeting of sea and volcanic rock, reflecting the landscape of Skye itself.
Talisker Magma 47 Year Old is limited 622 bottles globally, with 105 bottles available in the United States, and is available now for a suggested retail price of $5,250 for a 700 mL bottle.
Source: Talisker.