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.
It tastes like a cross between Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg 10. It's not a good thing or a bad thing just an in between whisky.
Smells and tastes okay to start... then the aftertaste... if i wanted to drink medicine/dettol I needn't pay £30+ for the privilege of calling buying this whiskey! Yuck!!
I'm afraid I have to agree with Andy's first assessment. This offering has more in common with industrial effluent than whiskey. My wife loves it so I have tried it on a number of occasions....very difficult to get past the 'nose' stage without gagging. Each to his own, I know. And I have tasted worse. I couldn't finish the free sample at the Old Fettercairn distillery.
First tasted Talisker on a visit to the distillery some 30 years ago at the tender age of 17. Can't even remember what it tasted like and part from a few Glenfid's haven't really done whiskey for a very long time. Memories stirred seeing it in the shop and a bottle came home. I can't give you palate descriptions, I have no idea on that score but if it's your first taste let me describe it so you won't be surprised. Imagine you are on the end of cold and windy wharf and the local fishing trawler has just returned. Pulling along side the skipper hits reverse and you get a mouthful of diesel fumes, fish, salt spray and you breathe get taken away just a touch. That's your first taste of Talisker - no wonder some hate it! But take that, your home and the warmth of the peat fire is upon you. That's the true Talisker. Think hard life, history and the elements. No soft highland tartan and civility here. Embrace it!
It is one of our favourite malts but what on earth is volcanic peat?
