Talisker 1978 The Bodega Series 41 yo

 

 

 

50,7°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

Refill American Oak Bourbon Casks and Manzanilla Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 22 ppm

 

 

 

The distillery launched this short series, The Bodega Series, in 2018 with a 40-year-old expression. The following year saw the release of this one, a 41-year-old expression from the same vintage. The first had been finished in Amontillado sherry casks, this one was finished in six Manzanilla sherry casks from the Solera La Goya, which belongs to the Delgado Zuleta group, the oldest known sherry producer. This resulted in a limited edition of 2,000 bottles and the oldest Talisker at the time—a record that was broken the very next year with two 42-year-old bottlings. The record now stands at 47 years. The series was supposed to conclude in 2020 with a third bottling, but it never materialized. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is like an eruption of the elements that define Talisker’s profile, coastal notes, iodine, and sea salt, apple crumble seasoned with cinnamon, fatty, autumnal peat, and already crisp fallen leaves. Then a hint of syrupy sherry makes its way through, and balance sets in, candied exotic fruits, mango peel, papaya, dried currants and bananas, chocolate fondant, stuffed vine leaves. On the palate, it’s perfectly oily, mirabelle plums and lychees, peaches and pears, but also oysters and a few bushes. The spices are very subtle but definitely present. The finish is very long, not particularly powerful, actually, figs, chocolate, coffee and a slice of pineapple. Lightly grilled sardine fillets, charcoal powder, aged macerated leather, flambéed bananas, and of course that final pinch of salt, with a peppery note that’s barely perceptible.  

 

In Short, 

To be honest, I didn't taste it under the best conditions. But it seems to me that I've tasted better Talisker whiskies, like this one, where there wasn't any sherry influence. It's an absolutely memorable and superbly crafted Talisker, but for me, it's missing just a tiny bit to live up to expectations. Again, this remains to be confirmed. The price is, of course, astronomical, no need to dwell on that. 

Score : 91 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            This Will Destroy You - The World is Our___