55,1°
Distillery : Talisker - Islands
1st and 2nd Fill American Ex-Bourbon Casks, Wine Seasoned Finish
Original Bottling
Limited Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2022
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Peated less than 22 ppm
It's as if they were ashamed of the previous Talisker Special Release at Diageo. They've done everything to ensure that this time it's the opposite of the one they dubbed The Rogue Seafury. First of all, they took care to select the least peated whisky they had in stock, as it says on the tin: "The least peated stocks". Then, after an initial maturation in Bourbon casks, they transferred it to wine casks to soften the juice as much as possible. And it's all been on sale since last month, with a unknowable number of bottles.
Let's Taste It :
Fairly strong iodine, but smoother than usual. A beautiful tide, sea spray, kelp. Honeyed lemon, as in a grog, with a spoonful of rum. Gradually, it becomes more mellow, with vanilla, cinnamon and tinder. Sweet potatoes, nectarines. A greyish, ashen smoke appears. With a little water, the Bourbon character comes out even more. White plums, mirabelles, chasselas grapes, conference pears. Prickly pears, lychees. On the palate, it's thick, spicy, yet smooth and balanced, very classic in fact. Wood, earth, leather, a hint of caramel. Gravel and ash. Nice finish, quite explosive but contained. Long, syrupy. Banana, papaya, cane sugar, reeds. A beach of fine sand in the sun. Some seaweed.
In Short,
After a few weeks' airing, it finally reveals its true identity. It is indeed a Talisker. Not very peaty, still costal, but above all fruity and sweet. I have to admit that it's very pleasant, the balance is impressive. It's a bit like the 2019 edition, but nowhere near as good. The price of Special Releases goes up every year, and it's starting to be like we're being taken for a ride, but hey, it's hard to miss out.
Score : 88
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Cold Blood - Kissing My Love
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