It takes a lot of time, patience and a keen eye - and nose - for detail to create one of the world's best single malt whiskies. As Distillery Manager at Talisker, it's my task is to ensure that quality is king; after all, no less a man than Robert Louis Stevenson regarded Talisker as 'the king of drinks'.

There's a great deal of responsibility to ensure that what is laid down for maturation is perfect, so what emerges from the casks in 10, 18 or 25 years’ time is of the usual high standard and continues to receive acclaim in the shape of more awards.

Making Talisker demands long hours and no compromises, so I tour the distillery several times a day making sure no part of the process betrays the rest.

But sharing is part of my philosophy too and I like to think of Talisker as the most sociable of whiskies. Many's the time I've invited guests to sample a dram in my office as together we admire the bleak yet utterly beguiling view of the sea.

I bring the same purpose and concentration to my appreciation of whisky. Personally, I find, the more complex whisky becomes, the more interesting it is. It may take a while for your palate to appreciate some of these more ‘peaty’ whiskies, but I'd encourage you to persevere. Although it took me some years to really grasp the characteristics of whisky, it was a very interesting journey, one that continues to this day. I do hope your whisky adventures will be as fulfilling as mine have been.

The Classic Malts Selection offers a chance to experiment with some really seductive and intriguing flavours. Naturally, the Talisker 18 year old is my favourite dram, but when it comes to enjoying single malt whisky, I believe it doesn't matter where you start as long as you enjoy the voyage of discovery.

Mark Lochhead, Distillery Manager