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.
As far as peat & smoke go there are many better alternatives. I like the arrival, its quite unique. Don't like the finish, offputting soapy note.
One reviewer placed Talisker 10, between Laguvulin 16 and Ardberg 10. These just happen to be my top three single malts, though Talisker 10 has an extra bonus of being about $20.00 less . The flavor of peat and smoke, I enjoy so much, seems to increase from Talisker 10, to Laguvulin 16, to Ardberg 10. As an additional note; To my taste the Laphroiag 10 is just off the charts with peat, smoke, and not sure what else. Also , I found Glenmorangie to lack the peat and smoke and to be on the sweet side.
The Talisker 10 has turned into a favorite with great value to boot. I was turned off by Scotch for many years until introduced to a fine Ballantine's 17 Blend by a pro in the business. This was the beginning of an odyssey which has led me to the realization that the Scotches which I had revolted against were swill and to enjoy a whiskey of immense enjoyment required a larger investment. Hence I was led to the likes of Lagavulin 16 and Special Distillers Editions, Ardberg Ugadeil, Glenlivet 18, McCallen 15, GlenMorangie 18 etc. and by chance tried the Talisker 10 and lo and behold a gem at a reasonable price. Peat but sweet with a smooth finish.
I recently revisited this whisky after a few years and still found it a great dram. It's a decent peated single malt and hard to beat at the price (on offer at Waitrose at the time of purchase). Strangely enough I remember this fondly as one of the first single malts I tired. As a student Geologist on a field trip to the Isle of Rum it was one of the few decent drinks behind the little bar at Kinloch Castle (along with Arran Ale) and I can directly attribute it to the start of my Whisky voyage and for my penchant for peat :)
This is Whisky Heaven. For me the best tasting Malt Whisky for the price.I have not found a better one than this. Peat,Smoke and Malt all in one bottle. I will always buy this fantastic 10 year old to treat myself.
