Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery tasting notes supplied by Diageo

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillers Edition

Like all CLASSIC MALT Distillers Editions, this Talisker has been double-matured in a second cask after the original maturation period (in this case in an Amoroso Sherry cask). The experience is older, sweeter and richer than the regular bottlings. This Edition has a very special bitter-sweet harmony where the peat softens on the palate to a rich, sweet, juicy fruit finish.
 
Strength: 45.8% ABV
Appearance: Chestnut brown

Palate: Crisp peat at first then softens to enormous richness in the mouth. There's sweet, roasty malt with a heathery dryness. The sherry notes keep back some of Talisker's usual pepper. In its place is luscious, slightly oily sweetness - with ripe, juicy fruit and vanilla.

Finish: Some very deep cocoa notes, vanilla and lingering quite earthy peat. An enormously chewable single malt, with sweetness having the edge on dryness

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 year old

The first regular bottling of an older Talisker™. Time has rounded not tamed its power.

Strength: 45.8% ABV
Appearance: Amber.

Nose: Rich and fruity – Victoria plums, greengages, perhaps dried orange peel – with some butterscotch or rum toffee and a thread of smoke behind. The smoke soon advances into the foreground and the toffee note is joined by a light mintiness.

With water maritime characteristics emerge – dry boat varnish, edible seaweed. Still sweet; now with notes of iodine and the smokiness of an un-struck match.

Body: Full. Pleasant, smooth.

Palate: Sweet in front, then more assertive, with a whiff of smoke. The overall effect is warming. The development is towards smoke, coal-tar and toffee.

Finish: Medium length. Talisker’s™ characteristic chilli ‘catch’ in the finish is subtly present in the aftertaste.

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 25 year old

A limited edition, natural cask strength single malt whisky. Released in 2004, it is a beautifully orchestrated Talisker™ variation, and is the fourth limited release from the distillery.

Strength: 57.8% ABV
Appearance: Bright olive gold.

Nose: Nose Nose drying. Seaweed and old oranges, with smoke in the distance and some chalk. Surprisingly fruity and juicy, although with clear Talisker identity.

With water almost soapy, a waxy sweetness. Smoke still present, but now more fragrant.

Body: Firm. Slippery smooth.

Palate: Sweet and meek to start, with some acidity and saltiness. Extraordinary flavour development. Becomes dry, stony, minerally, dusty, toasty. Ground white pepper. Chillies.

Finish: Medium to long, slightly bitter, drying finish with a warming effect. Vegetal.

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 175th anniversary edition

A one off bottling to commemorate Talisker’s founding in 1830. It is a malt of striking contrasts; a velvet hand in an iron glove, soft sweet and elegant at heart, yet austere and powerful... but that's Talisker.

Strength: 45.8% ABV
Appearance: Light gold

Body: Medium

Palate: An immediate sweet flash of coconut soon becomes medicinal, then starts to smoulder. The smoke ignites into flame then starts to dry.
Water calms this down and out come the maritime notes, alongside the embers of a now-dead wood fire.

Finish: Becomes increasingly spicy approaching the big, maritime, robust and lingering finish. When dilute, increasingly subtle and liquorous, but the smoke still drives through towards the finish.

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 57° NORTH

 A classic, intense, vigorous Talisker with a unique strength of character. Which becomes deeper and more approachable when water is added. It’s like looking out to sea with a storm brewing…

Strength: 57% ABV
Appearance: Full gold.
Nose: Very clean and intense, with light smoke soon appearing. Creamy toffee, with pronounced fruit acidity. Hints of edible seaweed, heather blossom and a calming influence of vanilla that balances the crisp attack. Chalky and minty. In time, chocolate, then salt. The chocolate becomes slightly nuttier: like praline.

Water tempers the attack and brings out a slightly oily note. Initially there's a firework/struck match edge, then more seaweed, as if you’re at the high water mark on a sandy beach. Sweet yet salty, with a savoury sharpness.

Body: Medium.

Palate: Tart fruit, sweet to start, with smoke and tar abruptly exploding around the middle of the mouth. Sweet-centred, a little like liqueur chocolate, yet tempered by a savoury edge that stops things becoming too polite. Water deepens the effect and smoothes out the abrupt shift between sweet and smoke. Mouthfilling, silky and complex.

Finish: Oily. Fairly medicinal with a drying tartness. Tingling and peppery. Smoother with water.