Born of the sea, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 44-Year-Old: Forests of the Deep was created as a reflection on the power and beauty of our oceans. Only 1,997 bottles of this whisky will be released globally, inspired by an expedition led by Parley for the Oceans, Talisker’s partner in ocean conservation, to one of the world’s largest sea kelp forests near the Cape of Good Hope.

This Talisker release reaches new depths of flavour, combining enticing aromas and sweet, smoky maritime accents. It is an elemental Talisker with a wonderfully oily-smooth texture and umami-rich taste with a sweet chilli-pepper finish. This rare whisky has been nurtured for over four decades and finished in marine oak casks.

With support from Talisker, Parley undertook an expedition to one of the world’s largest sea kelp forests near the Cape of Good Hope. The mission yacht explored ‘The Great African Sea Forest’, where the expedition team of scientists, activists and filmmakers undertook a dive into its depths. On board the yacht were Talisker cask staves, which were later charred using a small amount of sustainably sourced Scottish sea kelp and stave wood shavings, before finishing the whisky's maturation journey. This exceptional whisky was then finished in these marine oak casks before bottling. Talisker continues to support Parley with its partnership with the organisation by raising awareness on their important mission with a goal to protect and preserve and rewild 100 million square metres of marine ecosystems around the world by 2023.

• A LIMITED RELEASE: Only 1997 bottles released, from 10 marine charred casks to become our oldest and rarest whisky to date.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Mellow overall, with a light peppery prickle at first. Deep, dense and complex. The top notes speak of wood wreathed in fragrant smoke and rich maritime hints of ships and the sea, as enticing traces of seaweed, salt crystals and warm sand mingle with sweeter hints of rich toffee. Beneath these scents lie intriguing deeper layers of aroma; hints of canvas, iodine-rich sea air and a distant beach bonfire, the smokiness emphasised by a dash of water.

Palate: A big, wonderfully oil-smooth texture and a mouth­watering umami-rich taste, as waves of smoky-sweet rich intensity meet the full force of the sea mid-palate. The effect becomes savoury and lightly drying as a delicious peppery warmth surges forward to embrace these smooth, rich flavours of the deep. A drop of water softens the feel and brings a sweeter taste, with only a pinch of salt, but with the spice still, now as Szechuan pepper.

Finish: Really long, as a sweet chilli-pepper warmth suffuses the palate. Fragrant smoke and sweetness linger in the aftertaste.