Talisker 18 Year

TALISKER SHOWDOWN Talisker Storm Talisker 10 Talisker Distiller’s Edition Talisker 18 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve not yet reviewed. I’ve had various Talisker expressions many times over the years—it was one of the first single malts I enjoyed over two decades ago—and again I’m surprised that I’ve yet to review any of them. The four listed above are the ones I currently own. I recall not liking the Storm as much the last time I tried it, and also recall liking the 10-year a bit more than the Distiller’s Edition and the 18-year. On the whole, Talisker has been one of my favorite distillers, not only from my history but also on what I feel to be its own merits. Talisker Storm Rich, bold amber color, akin to Pantone 130. The nose shows sweet honey, apricot, smoky peat, iodine, and salt. There is an immediate spiciness on the palate, with a sweet undernote, and a slightly viscous mouthfeel. The finish is long, and shows a healthy amount of continued white-pepper spiciness, quickly transitioning to some iodine and plenty of smoke, which begins as a smoky peat but also shows char on the long finish. I like the Storm better than I recall. I believe that my prior not-quite-dislike was due to an incorrect belief that it was finished with added wood, like the added staves used by Maker’s Mark in their wood-finished series. At the time, I viewed this negatively, as I was influenced by the use of wood chips by some California wineries, which was viewed as “cheap.” Maker’s Mark has been able to pull off a small miracle with their wood-finished series, which does use added staves, but I have no information that Talisker Storm employs that approach regardless. Talisker Storm is a nice balance of sweetness and smoke. It currently retails for a little over $50. Would I buy it again? Yes, if for no other reason to complement the 10-year. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. NAS. The light color suggests that there is no coloring added, though neither the bottle nor website mention this. 45.8% ABV. Talisker 10 Color is a few shades darker than the Storm; burnt orange, near Pantone 138. The nose is more effusive than the Storm, with an added fruity intensity, showing light honey, some lemon custard, dates, clove, ocean salt, smoky peat, and even a Laphroaig-like Band-Aid aspect. Again, there is a gentle palate viscosity, and added intensity, and an almost-acidic citrus element. The finish lacks the Storm’s length, with lighter smokiness, and also shows a touch of sweet vanilla and orange bitters. I’ve noted in several reviews my distaste for the relatively low ABV in some whiskies; 40% ABV is the minimum allowed, and several distillers bottle at 43%. The higher ABV in each of these Talisker impressions is not only appreciated in terms of a (perceived) focus on craftsmanship vs. economics, but it also amplifies the complex flavors. Talisker 10 is available for around $60 retail. Would I buy it again? Unequivocally. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. Talisker Distiller’s Edition The Distiller’s Edition is darker still than the 10-year, due to the sherry-cask aging; clear Pantone 153. Wonderfully complex nose shows chocolate-covered cherries, bacon jam, a whiff of cool menthol, and evident vanilla, which suppresses (but does not eliminate) the smoky peat of the 10-year. The palate has a little glycerin, honey, dried orange peel, liquified pralines, and Honey-Nut Cheerios. A gentle spiciness leads to a slightly smoky peat, some leather dryness, and a cereal note. The Distiller’s Edition combination of peat and sweet is a kinder, gentler version of an Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan, and it reminds me of a story. A few years ago, a friend who was not a whisky enthusiast took me to Milroy’s in London’s SoHo. In order, we had a 60.4% ABV Chichibu bottled exclusively for Milroy’s; a Glenfarclas 24, also for Milroy’s; a Hibiki 21; a Nikka Pure Malt 21; a Glendronach 25; and then the Ardbeg Corry, as I’d wanted him to experience a sweet-peat whisky. It was a mistake, and was entirely incongruous with those that preceded it, rendering the Corry (which I like) offputting. In fact, I may have disabused him of any appreciation of peated whisky as a result (the upside of that is one less purchasing competitor). In hindsight, the Talisker Distiller’s Edition would have been more appropriate, as it shows the same sweet and smoke in a more restrained manner. Would I buy the Talisker Distiller’s Edition again? Yes. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. Diageo’s “Distiller’s Editions” employ additional aging in sherry casks. The Talisker in particular takes the 10-year expression which is then double-matured in Amoroso casks. 45.8% ABV. This bottle distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2019. Talisker 18 The 18-year is lighter in color than the Distiller’s Edition, but darker than the 10-year, which one would expect with eight years of additional age; clear Pantone 144. The nose is sweet, with brown sugar and vanilla, gentle and creamy lemon custard, and very gentle peat smoke. The palate is sweet, but a different sweetness than the Distiller’s Edition: honey, crème brulee, and even a little bananas Foster. The finish is white pepper, which lingers long, as well as some smokiness manifesting as bacon. The peat is there, but it pales in comparison to the Storm (which I tasted again immediately following this). Talisker 18 is a special whisky, and can be found for about $180. For me, it’s more of a special occasion dram. It needs to be appreciated for what it is: an aged whisky from the Isle of Skye which shows the power of the ocean with the finesse of 18 years of aging. Would I buy it again? As long as I had the discretionary income, yes. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. 45.8% ABV, consistent with the other Talisker expressions here. I enjoy writing these “showdown” reviews, but the intent is not necessarily to rank order them, but rather to compare similar whiskies side-by-side in order to better delineate their respective differences and merits (or lack thereof). The general pattern here, from first to last, is decreasing smokiness and increasing complexity. And while my qualitative quantification of scores varies, this is not to state that any of these are intrinsically “better” than any of the others; all are good, but they have differing qualities. I would keep each one on hand. Talisker has a loyal following, and there’s not much I can add to the opinions of those who already enjoy it (I am among that group). The Storm is about smoky peat; the “Storm” naming is apt. The 10-year is about the added complexity of a 10-year age statement (and the “softening” of the smoke). The Distiller’s Edition is about the added sweetness of sherry-cask finishing, and its complex interplay with the peaty smoke. The 18 is about the added complexity of additional aging. With additional age comes less ostentatiousness, and thus more introspection; and on a pensive and cloudy day interspersed with rain, I find that the 18 is the most intellectually rewarding. On the whole, these are very good in the aggregate, but not quite as good as I’d recalled. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

TALISKER SHOWDOWN REDUX Talisker Storm Talisker 10 Talisker Distiller’s Edition Talisker 18 (Last reviewed 9/30/23) It’s cool in Connecticut. Chilly, even. Cool means fire. Fire means smoke. Smoke means Scotch whisky. And tonight that’s Talisker. Talisker Storm Honey, smoky peat, pumpkin pie, apricot, kelp, iodine, sea salt. Lightly viscous in the mouth with a honey and peppercorns morphing into a long finish with honey, pear, smoke, vanilla, cured meat, and char. I like the Storm more each time I try it. Not only are the aromatics and flavors powerful and complex, but it’s bottled at 45.8% ABV (vs 43% for average “better” whiskies), which enhances the aesthetics. It’s the least expensive of the lineup, and can be found between $60-$70. Would I buy it again? Yes. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. NAS. The light color suggests that there is no coloring added, though neither the bottle nor website mention this. 45.8% ABV. Talisker 10 Like the Storm, but with the dial turned up. Lots of sweet (honey, apricot, pear) along with peaty smoke. Similar viscosity to the Storm. Long finish with pepper, vanilla, char, saline. I cannot believe that I rated this 4.0 two years ago (especially considering my history with this whisky; I’ve always loved it). The official 96 rating from Distiller is apt; we’re approaching rarified air here. Talisker 10 can be had for $70-80. Would I buy it again? Aye. It’s a tremendous whisky value. 4.5+ on the Distiller scale. 10-year age statement. 45.8% ABV. Talisker Distiller’s Edition Darker than the Storm and 10-year due to the sherry-cask finishing. I could copy-paste my previous notes, as the impression is the same, so I will: “Wonderfully complex nose shows chocolate-covered cherries, bacon jam, a whiff of cool menthol, and evident vanilla, which suppresses (but does not eliminate) the smoky peat of the 10-year. The palate has a little glycerin, honey, dried orange peel, liquified pralines, and Honey-Nut Cheerios. A gentle spiciness leads to a slightly smoky peat, some leather dryness, and a cereal note.” Diageo owns Talisker (and Lagavulin, Oban, and several other whisky brands), and its “Distiller’s Edition” adds sherry-cask aging to each. In the case of Talisker, the 10-year is double-matured in Amoroso casks. It retails for $80-$90. Would I buy it again? Affirmative. And I’ll need to, because I just polished off that bottle. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. 10-year age statement (distilled 2009; bottled 2019). 45.8% ABV. Talisker 18 Pomander, speck, and smoke, but the smokiness is tamped down by the sweetness. Not only honeyed like the other expressions, but carrying a crème brûlée caramelized-sugar aspect as well. If the 10-year is the Storm with the volume turned up, then the 18-year is the 10-year with the dial turned down a bit, but in a direction that’s more complex and assured. White pepper on the finish, along with bacon jam. Talisker 18 is more of a special-occasion whisky. It is an aged whisky from the Isle of Skye which shows the power of the ocean with the finesse of 18 years of aging. Tasted blind, it would not come across as energetic as the others. Would I buy it again? As long as I had the discretionary income, yes. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. 18-yr age statement. 45.8% ABV, consistent with the other Talisker expressions here. The Storm clearly has the youngest flavor profile of the group. The 10-year is the winner here; it is a combination of the strength of youth and the complexity of age. The Distiller’s Edition is nice, but the 10-year already has plenty of sweetness. And the 18 is very good, but it’s more mellow and restrained. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I have been enjoying Island offerings lately. Arran, Highland Park, Talisker. So the opportunity to have a T18 wasn’t something I wanted to miss. Arrived today in the post, and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in… N: instantly recognisable as a crisp, clean, and expertly crafted liquid. There is a sherry fruitiness mixing with beautifully acidic pear-apple juicyness. The smoke is restrained, delicate, and floral. This smoke is less punchy than on the T10, it’s more like aromas of wood smoked meat but so subtle as to not initially become apparent as smoke to me. There is a very slight ocean spray that ties everything together with a beautiful spice on the end. P: a wonderfully thick and heavy arrival. Pepper is there with warm enveloping woody smoke. A hint of coffee with deliciously salty bacon and toffee creaminess. Pepper and gentle chilli build along with light touches of orange peel(?) and chocolate. Complexity unravels through layers of mouth watering excellence. F: Long. Peppery turns to chilli, it’s aggressive but in a great way. It takes command without being obtuse or overpowering. The ocean spray of salt and smoke linger in the back quietly. When I wrote about the T10 I described it as everything warming and wholesome that you would look for having been battered by the rugged coastline that is Skye. Talisker for me, is the embodiment of the lighthouse keeper sitting out the storm watching the waves crash down around. When I picture that lighthouse keeper he is my age, mid thirties. Still youthful and energised, willing to tackle the Sea Fury brewing under the crashing waves (see T8 special edition review). Well, the light house keeper is older now. He is grizzled by the lifetime of a violent ocean, but with an understanding of how to be at one with it. This is the 18. It has all the power of the 10. It is bold, assertive, and rich in depth. But, it is calmer without being subdued. It is the sum total of the tempests violence and the contemplative calmness that follows. This is excellent. [Tasted from a Horny Pony 30 ml sample. Pictured here with a piece of Amygdaloidal Basalt from the Isle of Skye igneous centre, part of the British Tertiary Magmatic Province that developed over a seven million year period (61-54 million years ago) in mainland western Scotland and the offshore Hebridean islands associated with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean.] Distiller whisky taste #98

Nose - sweet peat, fig, sultana, brine, iodine, butterscotch, pear, honey, smoked meat, candied orange, vanilla, allspice, clove, green apple, black pepper, rich malt, mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - sweet, oily peat, brine, green apple, pear, fig, plum, nectarine, spiced vanilla, salted caramel, iodine, allspice, kipper, honey cured ham, lemon zest, chili pepper, clove, spicy oak, mint, mild to moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium long with sweet peat, green apple, and cured ham flavors. This is great whisky. While it’s easily identifiable as Talisker, the malt is richer, the peat is subtler, and the spiced, fruit notes are more accentuated. The meatiness is still present, but it has more of a cured ham quality than the greasy, bacony off-note on the 10 year. Interestingly, it reminds me of a rich Speyside like Craigellachie or Benromach. So that’s all fine and good, but I have one major beef with this one. I like the 10 better than the 18 year. I thought this was the case initially, but poured the 10 year alongside and confirmed it. The 18 year is more complex and refined, but it lacks the grunginess that I love on the original. I’m aware that there is significant batch variation with the 18 year (mine is from 2019), and the older bottlings are thought to be superior. I’m also aware that the 18 year is known to deteriorate with time. This particular bottle was opened six months ago, so I doubt oxidation has impacted this significantly. Overall this is great, but I’ll be restocking the 10 year at $60 instead of this at $150, and I’ll be just as satisfied.

Nose: as always with Talisker, it seems to smell the stormy sea! Wonderful embers and light delicate peat, all very saline. Palate: full and full-bodied, warm and enveloping, salty and sweet, embers and light peat, all well blended. Always a great drink: you imagine sipping it in an old lighthouse with a stormy sea! Final: the salty sweetish fills the mouth on the palate, and remains constant in the medium-short finish. Always excellent, even if not at the level of 25yo: it is positioned halfway between the latter and the Ten. 4.50 rating ______________________________________________________ Naso: come sempre con Talisker, sembra di annusare il mare in tempesta! Meravigliosa brace e leggera torba delicata, il tutto molto salino. Palato: pieno e corposo, caldo ed avvolgente, salino e dolciastro, brace e torba leggera, tutto bel amalgamato. Sempre gran bel bere: ti immagini di sorseggiarlo in un vecchio faro con il mare in tempesta! Finale: il dolciastro salato riempie la bocca al palato, e rimane costante nel finale medio-breve. Sempre ottimo, anche se non al livello del 25yo: si posiziona a metà strada tra quest’ultimo ed il Ten. Voto 4,50

Okay let me preface by saying I am a fan of Talisker. I love the 10yr and think storm is great too. Distiller Edition was ok but not worth it to me. This falls in that camp. Its of course a lovely scotch and had no problem emptying the bottle. I just dont see it worth the upcharge from the 10. Might even take the 10 straight up. The nose is refined and the flavors are rich but overall its just good. I want to be blown away by an 18yr living in this price range(I did get mine on sale for $106). The trademark Talisker toffee is there but its like you had a forgotten hard candy in your pocket for a year then peeled off the stuck on wrapper and ate it. There is less smoke than I remember as well. Im being overly critical because this should be flat out amazing and its not. Despite all the negative ranting I cannot in good faith kill this on a score so....86/100.....Damn bottle is getting better right at the bottom...maybe it needed more air ageing