I hope everyone had an excellent start to February. Today, I want to write a review of a product that represents two things that I am passionate about: Scotch whisky and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Talisker, a whisky that is very proudly made by the sea, is supporting the RNLI by donating £1 for each purchase of this gift pack. Unlike others, including the multitude that appeared over the festive period, this one doesn’t mess about with glasses or chocolates; it consists of a 70cl bottle of Talisker 10 Year Old in a cardboard box displaying an atmospheric photograph of Skye and the knowledge that you’re contributing to a great charity.
This is a limited edition gift pack, so be sure to seek one out soon if you’re interested; we’ve seen a few recently in our local Waitrose for £27.15.
The RNLI
The RNLI, founded in 1824, provides lifeboats all day, every day around the coast of the UK and Ireland. As a charity, they rely upon volunteers and donations to buy and maintain their fleet of over 330 lifeboats, pay their staff and train their volunteers.
Talisker Outdoors
Inspired by the photograph on the box and some of the pictures and stories on the website, DBS & I decided to take some of the whisky on another trip to our local coastline to remind ourselves of how it tasted by the sea.
As you can see, it was more than a tad blustery and so I was extremely grateful for my hipflask. The strong sea breeze left a distinctive salty coating on my lips and the chill on my face was raw, but revitalising.
As I took a sip from my hipflask, the cold metal contrasted sharply with the warmth of the alcohol to give a really bright freshness to each sip, boosted by the characteristic Talisker black pepper kick. An almost- sweet warmth then crept up from my stomach, bringing with it smoke and a savoury finish, topped off with a wonderfully comforting, chilli-like warmth. Once again, I was impressed by how well the combination of these flavours and their profile – the very timing of them! – fit with being outdoors.
After a few more sips, DBS & I continued with our walk. Before we knew it, the sun had began to set and we turned back towards home.
Talisker at Home
By the time we got home, we were both tired, but refreshed, in that way that a good walk can make you. After some supper, I sat back with a drop of Talisker in a slightly different setting; as you can see, another little friend from the RNLI joined me for a sip or two!
In Conclusion
Talisker 10 Year Old is one of my favourite whiskies. I love how it’s both bold and interesting without being overpowering, and – especially – how good it tastes by the sea, in either a glass or a hipflask. It’s price means that it’s usually a bottle that I only occasionally treat myself to, but knowing that this pack is helping to support and advertise the work of the RNLI, I think that wonderful picture of Skye might be decorating my whisky shelf for a while yet!
If you like whisky and have never tried Talisker 10 Year Old before, this is a great time to try it.
– Mrs. B
Summer Fruit Cup 