Scotch whisky maker Talisker recently opened the doors to its newly-renovated visitor experience.
And to mark the opening, as well as celebrating the brand’s connection to the sea and coastline of Skye, the distillery welcomed record-breaking wild swimmer Ross Edgley, and Skye-based artist, adventurer and conservationist Katie Tunn to the ceremonies.
The adventurous pair arrived at the distillery by sea in Loch Harport and were greeted by Barbara Smith, managing director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes, before visiting Talisker’s new visitor experience.
After standing the test of time on the rugged coast of the isle of Skye, for more than a century and a half actually, the new visitor attraction was transformed as part of Diageo’s £185-million investment in Scotch tourism.
With a new interactive experience and revamped distillery tours, the new space is meant to show how Talisker is made by the sea.
Within the new visitor experience on Skye is a snapshot of Talisker’s partnership with ocean conservation organization Parley for the Oceans.
Previously embarking on long-distance swims in support of this work is adventurer and long-distance swimmer Ross Edgley, and one of the first through the doors at the distillery.
“It’s impossible to visit Skye and not feel like you’re on an adventure, it just oozes out of the place,” Edgley said in a prepared statement. “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.”
Trending Stories
With the new Talisker experience, the three new tours are:
- The Distillery Tour: Visitors will discover how the island influences the flavor of the whisky while exploring the making Talisker room and mash house before having three tastings of the single-malt.
- Made by the Sea Tasting Experience: Whisky enthusiasts will have the chance to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory tasting session that explores the story of Talisker, followed by a tasting.
- Talisker Cask Draw and Tasting Experience: Guests will visit Talisker’s maturation warehouse, where they’ll get the opportunity to draw and taste five cask-strength distillery exclusive whiskies … set to be opened at a later date.
“Talisker is inseparable from the unique Isle of Skye landscape and its whisky is inherently shaped by the sea and landscape that surrounds it,” Barbara Smith said. “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.”
Two bars, a self-guided exhibition and retail space with local products complete the new Talisker experience. And, Smith noted, that local artists, crafts and tradespeople have been employed wherever possible during the renovation.
Katie Tunn is one of the local artists who 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,” Tunn said. “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 recently opened as part of the project designed to re-imagine the traditional whisky tour experience.
The centerpiece of the investment program, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street global visitor attraction, opened in Edinburgh in September of last year.
For more information or to visit, check out www.taliskerdistillery.com.
Latest News