Talisker's™ soft, peaty process water is drawn from twenty-one underground springs that rise from Hawk Hill (Cnoc nan Speirag) beside the distillery. These same springs have fed Talisker from the beginning. As its name suggests, the hill is home to birds of prey, usually including Peregrines.

Today, 20,000 gallons an hour of cooling water from the fast running Carbost Burn fill a traditional Talisker feature - five wooden "worm tubs", located outside the still house.

Talisker's two wash stills, carefully recreated after the 1960 fire, are unique. The lye pipes leading off from the main neck are U-shaped, to trap vapours from the first distillation before they reach the outside worm tubs, whilst a small secondary copper pipe carries the vapours so trapped back to the wash stills for a second distillation.

Faithfully following the original design, it is believed that this double distillation ensures that all of Talisker’s™ rich, deep character is captured first time. So there is, indeed, nothing withdrawn or reserved about Talisker™ - a fact confirmed for visitors whose first experience before they take the distillery tour, is a taste of the malt itself.

Talisker™ embodies all the spirit of this rocky, storm-lashed island and its strong, steadfast people. Skye's only distillery this may be, but like the men of the island the malt has character enough for ten.

“Famously distinctive Island malt. From the western Scottish island of Skye. I believe that the volcanic rock of Skye contributes to the pungent aroma; peppery flavour; and big finish. Unusual still design may add a further dimension.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.