Talisker Distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries on the Isle of Skye, having opened its doors in 1830, under the watchful eye of the MacAskill brothers. This month, after an extensive renovation, the doors to the Talisker visitor experience
are opening again, ready to welcome whisky enthusiasts and novices alike.
Having stood on the rugged coast of the Isle of Skye for more than a century and a half, the Talisker visitor experience has been completely transformed as part of Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch tourism. Boasting a new interactive experience and revamped distillery tours, the new space demonstrates Talisker’s special connection to the rugged sea and coastline of Skye.
Showcased within the new visitor experience on Skye is a snapshot of Talisker’s partnership with ocean conservation organisation, Parley for the Oceans. Adventurer and long-distance swimmer Ross Edgley, who has undertaken swims in support of the organisation’s work, was one of the first through the newly opened doors at the distillery.
Edgley commented: “It’s impossible to visit Skye and not feel like you’re on an adventure, it just oozes out of the place. The experience at Talisker embodies this adventurous spirit and is truly worth a visit. What you’ve got here is a truly unique whisky experience in a stunning setting, with its opportunity to get out into the wild and come back here to one of the many tastings and tours, there are so many reasons to keep returning to this beautiful island.”
Distillery visitors will have the opportunity to embark on three newly created tours:
The Distillery Tour will allow you visitors to discover how the island influences the flavour of the whisky whilst exploring the making Talisker room and mash house before enjoying three tastings of the beloved single-malt.
Made by the Sea Tasting Experience will give Whisky lovers the chance to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory tasting session that explores the story of Talisker followed by a tasting.
Set to open later in the year, the Talisker Cask Draw and Tasting Experience is designed with the whisky connoisseur in mind. This experience will see guests visit Talisker’s maturation warehouse where they’ll get the rare opportunity to draw and taste five unique cask-strength distillery exclusive whiskies.
Two bars, a self-guided exhibition and retail space packed with local products complete the new Talisker visitor experience.
Barbara Smith, managing director of Scotland Brand Homes for Diageo, responsible for the renovation at Talisker, added: “Talisker is inseparable from the unique Isle of Skye landscape and its whisky is inherently shaped by the sea and landscape that surrounds it. Our new brand home celebrates that deep connection with the sea and Talisker’s commitment to preserving the wonderful marine environment in Scotland and around the world.
“From the tours to the bars and retail space, there’s so much to experience at Talisker whether you’ve travelled two miles or two hundred miles to be there and whether you’re already familiar with this wonderful whisky, or discovering it for the first time.”
With an onus on the immediate area, local artists, crafts and tradespeople have been employed wherever possible during the renovation. Katie Tunn is one such local artist who has collaborated with the team. “There’s no arguing that Talisker is one of our country’s most iconic whiskies, and it’s been a joy to watch the space come alive as we’ve worked through the project,” she commented. “It’s sure to quickly become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The team’s commitment to working with the local community is truly commendable. I’m already working on my next project with Talisker, which will add yet another reason to visit our beautiful island.”
Talisker is the sixth site to undergo a transformation as part of Diageo’s investment. The Singleton, Glenkinchie, Clynelish and Cardhu distilleries have recently opened as part of the project which re-imagines the traditional whisky tour experience.
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