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.
I'm very fond of this oaken/smokey dram that sets itself up as a late night whisky. You can take a view here that Talisker dosen't compete with Islay malts but parallels and bests them with salty depth. This has become my go-to malt for peat & smoke and to be honest; there always seems to be a 'Tally' in that mahogany cabinet next to the green leather chesterfield in the walnut wood wrapped cigar smelling office down a cul de sac in the house of Lords. (My life hasn't worked out that well, but this whisky gives me that feeling).
Do not pay any attention to some of the bad reviews of this whisky. It is certainly not for everyone; but for those who look for a powerful, but flavorful dram of Scotch Whisky . . . this is for you! Granted, it is an acquired taste ( I started with the sweeter . . sherried . . scotches, such as Macallan 12); but once you get used to the peat and smoke, you are hooked! This is very, very good whisky. It is rich, strong, earthy, salty, smoky-sweet . .. goodness in a bottle. You need to try this. I love Highland Park 12, but this steps it up a bit. It is wild and wonderful!
More heft than Speyside, but not quite the complexity of the great Islay drams like Ardbeg and Laphroaig. A bit medicinal. All that said, damn fine whiskey.
Fairly new to scotch, but have tried quite a few; Highland Park 12 being my favorite at this point. Decided to venture out into the heavier flavors of peat and smoke. Heard so much about the Talisker being a good starting point. I must say that it is just fabulous. The color is a beautiful amber; the nose is marvelously smoky and (to me) caramel and maple; the taste . . . well... I love it. I could be happy with this from now on. And it is very reasonably priced. Talisker 10 is a very, very good scotch whisky.
Both the missus and I enjoyed Talisker as our first scotch when I was stationed in the UK. Probably the most drank scotch for us. Love the smokey, smooth dram!
