Talisker’s New 45-Year-Old Whisky Was Made Possible by an Expedition to the Canadian Tundra and the ‘Majestic Force of the Glacier’

(Photo: Talisker)

On Wednesday, Scottish whisky distillery Talisker announced a new expression that it’s hailing as “exquisitely rare”: Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old.

The winter-themed whisky gets its name from the experimental aging technique Talisker implemented on it: a finish in ice-fractured oak casks.

Talisker transported 12 of its heavily charred American oak casks to the ice fields of Canada and had a specialist cooper remove the ends of the casks, leaving them exposed to sub-zero temperatures for 96 hours.

“This allowed the extreme cold to fracture the wood which in turn increased the surface area of the casks that the whisky was able to interact with during the finishing period in Scotland,” Talisker explained in a news release.

This release marks a first for Talisker not only in terms of the finish but also in the age statement; this is Talisker’s first 45-year-old whisky.

The cask-fracturing expedition was conducted alongside Parley For the Oceans, an environmental organization and partner of Talisker.

“The expedition to fracture the casks drew upon the majestic force of the glacier to create a whisky truly marked by the wild,” Talisker said in a news release.

The mission was led by glacier scientist Dr. Alison Criscitiello and Parley ambassadors surfer Greg Long and snowboarder Taylor Godber.

“I have spent nearly my entire life immersed in the ocean and in that time I have come to realise just how intimately connected the mountains and ocean truly are,” Long said. “The mountains play a vital role in regulating climate patterns, influencing rainfall patterns and temperature variations that directly impact the health of the ocean. Protecting and preserving both is essential to maintain the delicate balance of these ecosystems and ensure the well-being of countless species, including humans, who rely on them for sustenance, climate regulation, and recreation. I am grateful to work on this project highlighting the beauty and fragility of both invaluable ecosystems.”

Bottled at 49.8% ABV, Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available from selected global retailers at a suggested retail price of £4,500 ($5,460) per 700-milliliter bottle.

Talisker is also teaming up with travel specialist Abercrombie & Kent to offer a “Talisker Glacial Adventure Experience” when you book your trip to Iceland through Abercrombie & Kent. For more information or to register your interest, click here.

Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Appearance: Glowing pale amber. Exceptional beading.

Nose: Rich, dry and mellow, with a light peppery prickle. Clear maritime top notes speak of seaweed and iodine; their glacial mineral companions suggest slaked lime and salt crystals. Below, complex sweet aromas hint at dried fruits and creamy vanilla, bringing depth and richness. Light smoke threads the background, touched by aromatic sandalwood. A drop of water adds a trace of almond toffee: the other aromas remain, joined by a note of hemp rope.

Taste: Full, rich body. The texture is wondrously oil-smooth and mouth-filling; the taste starts toffee-sweet then becomes salty and increasingly peppery; even at this age there is a striking intensity to it, and a fine chilli “catch.” A dash of water integrates these tastes. An attractive saltiness to the toffee now suggests salted caramels, with slightly less pepper.

Finish: Very long, with a glorious chilli pepper effect and a trace of candle wax; this grows in the aftertaste, in which both saltiness and pepper also persist. Saltier if water is added, with less pepper and faint scented smoke.

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