From the Isle of Skye comes this Talisker single malt, which has spent 18 years in casks which previously held bourbon and sherry. A sweet and smoky malt, a must have for any Talisker fan. If you weren’t already convinced, this fabulous dram picked up the title Best Whisky in the World at the 2007 World Whiskies Awards too.
Quite clean and fresh. There is a mixed fruity sweetness with a spicy character. The peat and smoke rise with notes of perfume and thick oak. Hints of Calvados and a touch of acidity with ground ginger.
Thick, rich and full-bodied. Notes of spicy, peppery oak, espresso beans and wood smoke. A little allspice creeps in, there is a certain zesty character lurking somewhere. The spice builds and builds with utter intent.
Long, with peppery oak.
I'm a big fan of the 10 year old, but the 18 year old has a more mellow taste as is now my favourite malt.
I think the description of "medicinal" was brilliant. But to me, it just didn't develop much from there. Maybe I'm a harsh critic but I just expect a bit more from an 18 year old.
Having just returned from a trip to Skye and being unable to purhase a bottle of the 18 at the distillery..!!!..yes you read correctly, I managed to get a bottle of it in a delicattessen in the Byres Road in Glasgow.Being a massive fan of Islay Malts and all of the islands malts I really do like this 18 year old.It seems slightly more subtle than the excellent 10, and for me seems to have a slightly more complex nose and finish.I can understand why Talisker 18 has won awards..its beatiful.
I have to agree MBW - it's slightly medicinal on the nose - get past that to really knock your socks off. The Talisker 18 Y/O IMHO is one of the best drams you can buy for less than $100
Sitting here in the far and rather cold bit of northern canada, was with great pleasure a bottle of said T arived. Must have been away too long, as first impresion was of TCP, sorry nanny, but upto temp and away with all that god created..... a walk though the woods on an crisp novenber day were my thoughts. This is really a seriously good way to enjoy an evening. Far better than most... hate to bring the value for money thing up but my humble opinion ...... rather 1 bottle of this than several bottles of for eg:- glen.... So final score.... Tal 18yo 8, Glen (etc) 3... try 1 and enjoy Regads MBW
