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.
Good entry level scotch. Don't expect much and then you will be happy
I find this a serviceable dram. Its not an Ardbeg , but then again that is at a much higher price point. I get smoke and salt so I am not sure what others who don’t taste that have been drinking. I would buy it again and give it at least 3.5 or a bit shy if 4.
It’s ok, has potential with some small changes but there are much better 10 year olds for around the same price. Ledaig 10 is miles ahead of this and with the same brine and smoky profile, except they don’t load it with artificial coloring and they put quality into making it. I prefer ardbeg 10 to them both though.
I bloody love it. This is a whisky that satisfied all my fetishes. My very first single malt whisky. I initially wanted to buy an Islay single malt... But finally bought this gem, from the Isle of Skye, due to the unavailability of any Islay scotch in the store. On the nose(after removing the cork and pouring in the glass), I definitely got a non overwhelming smoke, delightful medicinal peat, live barley and chocolaty smell. After a few moments, the tobacco note was the best thing I experienced in a whisky. Maybe, some seaweed later(representing all the seaside characteristics). After 24 hours, one can discover that the sweetness profile of the whisky develops over time. On the palate, the chilli spiciness is just amazing.... Definitely not a sharp whisky as it went down in a dead smooth way(neat). You can get the beautiful subtle barley taste initially, some fruits, chocolate, exceptional tobacco notes, some vanilla, seaweed, subtle brine, just the right amount of peat etc. The sweetness became more prominent after 24 hours. The finish is exceptional as well. You will get the meaty/sulphury thing coupled with that tobacco... That lingers for quite a time. This part was heavenly... And finally when you nose the glass after finishing... That cigaretty/tobacco smell lingers... I was sold after that very part. PS: The most amazing part was... When I went to sleep after finishing the whisky. The meaty/sulphury part was still lingering in my nose. I could feel it. It was there for quite a time.... And unaware, I went to the dreamland. Quite a beautiful sleep to be honest. This whisky can be best enjoyed at night-time after finishing work and dinner(as mentioned by Jim Murray).
I really like how the brine and smoke compliment each other very well. The slightly higher abv does help. It’s good for a ten year old but there is much better out there. Not much depth. Unfortunately this looks like it’s got the typical diageo e150 overload which I can’t stand but all in all it’s ok but not good enough to buy again. Stop loading it with e150 and I’d probably try it again.
