Talisker launches Scotch whisky finished in ice-fractured casks

Single malt Scotch whisky distillery Talisker, based in the Isle of Skye, has launched a 45-year-old whisky finished in ice-fractured oak, the final release in a series of wild whisky-making expressions.

Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old is the distillery’s first ever release of a 45-year-old single malt Scotch whisky.

Twelve of the Talisker distillery heavily charred American Oak casks were transported to Canada’s ice fields. A specialist cooper removed the ends of the casks and they were left exposed to sub-zero temperatures and Arctic winds 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. As such, the experiment was designed to allow whisky to travel deeper into the casks to obtain spicier and sweeter aromas from the American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels.

This journey was taken hand in hand with Talisker’s partner Parley For the Oceans. This mission to the ice fields was led by glacier scientist Dr. Alison Criscitiello, alongside Parley ambassadors surfer Greg Long and snowboarder Taylor Godber.

This is the third year of Talisker working with Parley to raise awareness of the importance of marine ecosystems and support their preservation globally, and a portion of the funds from Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old will be donated to support this cause.

Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available to purchase globally from selected retailers and www.diageorareandexceptional.com at an RRP of £4,500 per 70cl bottle, in the UK (inclusive of duties and taxes). The whisky will also be available in select Asian markets including China at an RRP of 39,488 RMB (US$5,700) and Taiwan – RRP NT$168,000 (US$5,478).

In other news, a window salesman and whisky aficionado recently paid £199 for an ultra-rare Macallan display case on the online auction site eBay. Read more on that story here.