Talisker 10 year old single malt is a classic Island whisky from the Isle of Skye. Aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, this welcome member of Diageo's Classic Malts series has been recognised numerous times for its excellence. Immensely satisfying stuff, with whiffs of warm peat blending with coastal air, balanced by orchard fruit and juicy barley. A spectacular after dinner dram.
It was an Editor's Choice at Whisky Magazine, a gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and was awarded 'Best Islands Single Malt' at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.
A fresh and fragrant nose. Through thick, pungent smoke comes sweet pear and apple peels, with pinches of maritime salt from kippers, seaweed.
It's a bonfire of peat crackling with black pepper, with a touch of brine and dry barley. A welcome delivery of orchard fruit provides a delicate and beautiful balance.
In a long finish, bonfire embers toast malt and crystallise a sugary underlay.
This is delicate taste whisky. Medium smokey. It smells amazing - peat, salt... I like to breath him.
Very smooth for a 10 year old. Great peaty presentation. Best with 10 drops of water and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
First night with this bottle was confusing. The mouthfeel was hollow and every flavor was overshadowed by a vicious chemical note. It was a rough ride from start to finish where maybe 1/10 sips showed some hope that my money was not wasted. I wasn't discouraged because I enjoy interesting experiences but I knew if this bottle continued on the current path there was no way I would ever purchase a second bottle. Fortunately, given some time, the bleach like whisky was replaced with a gentle but flavorful tonic. Its a balanced blend of peat and fruit with a hint of the medicinal. I don't agree with the Masters of Malt tasting notes as it makes it sound like a full Islay experience when they say "full bodied with huge plumes of smoke". My bottle comes off more like a hybrid whisky. For people turned off by the sometimes overpowering flavors of an Islay whisky, Talisker 10 might be a nice adventure.
Talisker 10 year truly is the power in that old green label, and I actually enjoyed it way more. If you miss green label like I did this is going to be a peaty kick of nostalgia.
I'm usually really not one for the darker whiskeys, yet this is one of the few that I really like
