The Isle of Skye is home to many famed Scottish sites. The Old Man of Storr is a natural wonder that can’t be missed. The seaside Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery is one of Scotland’s most visited distilleries and an iconic location on the Skye. The Oyster Shed is the go-to place for the freshest seafood. Yet, the Isle of Skye is also home to the ultimate whisky and food pairing experience around. Here’s how to do it right.
Situated right just above the famed Talisker whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye, the Oyster Shed is best described as an experience. The shed’s founder, known far and wide as Oysterman Paul sets out daily to a secluded bay where bags of oysters sit being washed over by the sea. The area stands near the Talisker distillery and the oysters are put there when they are as small as grapes. They are left in the bay for three years and turned every spring tide. After this they are moved to the shed where they are filtered in fresh water for just over 2 days, to remove any unwanted contaminants that may be present. The shed has been around for almost 10 years, and the passion and drive of the Oysterman has made this one of the must-see spots on the island. There are no plans for expansion, just the long-term goal of maintaining the practises and rules that make the Oyster Shed’s oysters some of the best on Skye, and Scotland. Alongside the juicy, fresh oysters, guests can enjoy scampi, muscles, king scallops, and delightful chunks of smoked salmon.
While the Oyster Shed booms, the Talisker distillery below continues to create one of the most well-known Scotch whiskies in the world. Today, Talisker is run by distillery manager, Diane Farell, who lives just above the distillery. The site is visited by almost 90,000 visitors each year and, considering the time and effort it takes to get there, this is an amazing feat. The fact that a staple in Scottish seafood and one of its most well-known whiskies pair so well is a gift. The fact that the two are located less than 100 feet from each other seems too good to be true. The tasting begins.
Seated around the side of the Oyster Shed with Diageo’s global whisky master, Ewan Gunn, the Talisker 10-Year-Old bottle is at the ready as the large platter of oysters comes out. The shed looks over the fields of Skye as the afternoon sun pours down over them. ‘Lemon and salt go great, but nothing beats an oyster soaking in Talisker,’ says Gunn as he pours a splash of Talisker into his oyster shell and knocks it back. The Oyster Shed is packed, and it seems like the daily oyster allocation is almost out.
Talisker is often followed by the famed slogan, ‘made by the sea.’ Therefore, the fresh maritime notes in the whisky, alongside the smoke and gentle fruit, is expected. Yet, when paired with the oysters something amazing comes together. Both components compliment and balance the other out. A few chews on the oyster allow the whisky to soak through and full the mouth up with the sea, the wind, and the freshness of Skye. The whisky brings in smoke and rich notes to balance out the freshness, while the strong malt component acts as the perfect foundation to let the flavours shine.
‘Talisker has smokiness, a beautiful pepper spice and some sweet coastal brine notes that go amazingly well with the oysters and compliment them,’ Gunn adds as we finish off a platter.
The pairing is complete as is. Yet, sitting by the Oyster Shed with the fresh Scottish wind touching my face, looking out over the fields of Skye, the experience reaches a whole new level. Many believe that flavours can be connected to place. Sampling Champagne in the Champagne region of France differs from trying it in a bar in New York. A freshly poured glass of Asahi beer in a small izakaya eatery in Tokyo tastes different from enjoying the same in Hong Kong. Psychologically, a tasting experience is more authentic when enjoyed in the place it was created.
By all means, buying some fresh oysters from your local store and pouring a dram of Talisker in them is highly recommended, in fact, it’s an experience a seafood and whisky lover should not miss. Yet, if the opportunity arises to visit Scotland’s amazing Isle of Skye, that’s something that should be on the top of anyone’s bucket list. In the U.S. the Talisker 10-Year-Old is quite easy to find, available for around $50 USD.
