Forests of the Deep is the second release in a collection of rare aged single malt whiskies that have been shaped by nature's elements. This 44 Year Old Single Malt explores the vastness of the ocean's depths and captures the spirit of the seas.
Born of the sea, and inspired by an expedition to one of the world's largest sea kelp forests, Talisker Forests of the Deep has been aged for over four decades and finished in marine oak casks.
With support from Talisker, Parley undertook an exhibition to raise awareness of the beauty, fragility and importance of sea kelp forests. The expedition visited one of the world's largest sea forests, named 'The Great African Sea Forest' by Parley near the Cape of Good Hope. Talisker cask staves were aboard the exhibition yacht as it explored deep into the sea forests. These staves were later formed into marine oak casks and charred using a small amount of sustainably-sourced Scottish sea kelp.
A limited release of only 1997 bottles from 10 marine charred casks, this is Talisker's oldest and rarest release to date.
Tasting Notes
APPEARANCE Deep, clear amber. Excellent beading.
BODY Full.
NOSE True to a Talisker of age, the nose is mellow overall, with a peppery prickle that yields slowly to rich maritime top notes with traces of seaweed, salt crystals and warmed oak, over sweeter wafts of lemon zest and toffee. Beneath these scents lie intriguing layers of aroma; hints of canvas, brine-licked sea air and a distant beach bonfire.
PALATE A big, wonderfully oily-smooth texture and umami-rich taste, as waves of smoky-sweet intensity meet the full force of the sea mid-palate. The effect lightly dries before a peppery warmth surges and smoothens. A drop of water softens the feel and brings a hint of sweetness with a pinch of salt and tingling Szechuan pepper.
FINISH Really long, with soft traces of candle wax as a sweet chilli-pepper warmth suffuses the palate, becoming mouth-cooling if water is added.
