Talisker Distillers Edition

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 touched on this in my review of Barrell Seagrass, but I opened this bottle of Talisker Distiller's Edition the week prior to the Seagrass opening, and my first reaction to the Talisker, unlike the Seagrass, was, "Why do I ever drink anything else?" There are some whiskies where I wish Yankee Candle did a tie-in where I could buy a Talisker Distiller's Edition scented candle and burn it whenever I needed a little pick me up, whenever I was in a bad mood and needed a reason to smile. Other whiskies that spring to mind are the Dalwhinnie Game of Thrones edition where, even though the palate and finish were nothing to write home about, the nose was floral and honied in a way I've never encountered in another whisky. The Laphroaig Cairdeas of last year, finished in PX casks, was also one of those wish-I-had-a-candle-like-this noses. And the Laphroaig Cairdeas PX was the closest comparison I have for the Talisker Distiller's Edition. Both Islay and heavy with the peat and then finished in sherry casks. The main difference, of course, is the Cairdeas was 117 proof and this is 92. Also, this is my first Talisker. Up until tasting this I was a Talisker virgin. My love of Islay had mostly arisen from Ardbeg and Laprhoaig. I'd had the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, which was also excellent (also my first Lagavulin; I still haven't had the regular 16) and the Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength (also delightful and a really different beast for an Islay than anything else I'd had). But I'd never had Talisker. Now this year I've purchased a bottle of the 10 and a bottle of the Dark Storm (on clearance, $30 off), but I decided, having those two and this Distiller's Edition, to open the Distiller's Edition first. The allure is the sherry finish. I got the feeling that even though this is finished in Amoroso sherry and the Cairdeas was finishing in PX, that the profiles would be similar, and I'm not at all disappointed. The nose here has the peat smoke and fruitiness that comes with combining the two along with a nice undercurrent of toffee. There's a slight earthiness to it that's nice because it's just a trace and all the elements feel well balanced. Once it hits the tongue you get the sea salt along with peat and strawberry taffy, and it's just lovely. The finish is medium in length and allows the smoke, peat, and strawberry flavors to linger so that you want to just sip and sip. Like I've said, "Why do I ever drink anything else?" I also have a bottle of the Laphroaig 10 Sherry Finished that I haven't opened yet, and I'm kind of curious as to how it compares to the Talisker Distiller's Edition, but I just purchased this year's Larphaoig Cairdeas Warehouse 1, so that's likely on tap this weekend. I've seen around that the feeling on this year's Carideas is mixed but that might be a good thing, temper expectations, make me pleasantly surprised. My brother-in-law is joining us for the Eagle-Cardinals game and he loves Islay, particularly Talikser, so I think the lineup is going to be as follows (but don't tell him; he likes when I surprise him with a bunch of good whiskies in a row): 1. Laphroaig Warehouse 1; 2. Talisker Distiller's Edition; 3. Nikka from the Barrel (I feel like it's got some maritime notes that might be fun to compare with the Talisker); 4. Barrell Seagrass (which will be my "now for something completely different" pick; we'll give it another shot; I was lukewarm last week, but it might be a grower). It's gonna be a fun one!

Blind tasting. Dark golden, thinly coats the glass, whispy plentiful legs. Nose: Slightly sweet smoke, charcoal, heather, clover honey, barbecue, hey. The smoke is too light for most Islays I’ve tried. There is dried pineapple, burnt sugar, bits of fig, slight sea spray, cinnamon roll. Sweet dried fruits, intense burnt sugar and cerasote with a coating sensation - short of being viscous. Slight barbecue out there nares and lip smacking burnt sugar, fig and clean ash on the finish. There’s a slight bit of phenol noticeable on second sip but the sweet, charred malt notes are really coming through. The finish is long and satisfying with nicely balanced dark caramel and smoke flavors. There might be a bit of dried fig or other dried fruit but I’m possibly making it up. This is solid - like a smokey sticky bun with just a bit of supporting wood notes. Campfire desert time. Nothing comes across as fru fru - no big fruity wine notes are coming through for me. I would guess lightly peated, smoked malt aged in second or third fill bourbon barrels. Proof and body make me think this is around 48% ABV and in the 12-15 year range Cambletown? Not briney enough, no kippers. Skye? Possible. Oban? Too Smokey. Bowmore! Wouldn’t know, haven’t tried it. Could be a younger Lagavulin but the intensity of the ash isn’t there. Empty glass is rich with dark salted caramel, barbecue and for the first time a bit of spent pipe bowl. Delightful. Not as deep or complex as a Lag 16, Ardbeg Cory or Talisker 10 and a bit more bold but less complex than JW Green. Above Laphroig 10 and years beyou d JW double black. Probably puts this at a 3.75-4.0. I’ll go with the latter because overall this is really good but not a standout. Reveal - Talisker DE (year unknown) Was this DE finished in bourbon barrels or port instead of Sherry!? Is this Amoroso finished, really? Could this be the 2020 edition using recharged American oak splashed with Amoroso for a short 6 months??? I just don’t get the sherry notes the way I do with the 10 year. The 10 year makes me feel fancy. It comes across as complete across the spectrum and in wonderful balance. This is complex and well balanced but not as bright. Honestly I wouldn’t give up the 10 for this. I wouldn’t pass on this either because frankly Talisker can do no wrong in my book. If they were the same price I might trade them off but keep at least one on my shelf at all times. I owe @Contemplativefox a big thank you for sharing this sample!

Review #085 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 45.8% Comments: 2021 release, aged 10 years, matured in ex-bourbon, finished in ex-amoroso sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Dark chocolate covered cherries, orange marmalade, butterscotch, a few whiffs of peat smoke, beach sea breeze, and a hint of wood polish. Palate: 33/40 Creamy mouthfeel. Honey, salt, and pepper stand out most. There’s also campfire smoke, some of that classic Talisker minerality, ripe juicy plumbs, and orange zest. Finish: 33/40 Medium finish. Ashes and dark chocolate to start, some orange citrus too, transitioning to black pepper and old leather, than a dash of salt, and ending with smooth vanilla. With Water: A few drops of water adds an airy freshness to the nose, I don’t like saying that but I’m really struggling to define it, like the breeze off a lake after a rainstorm? On the palate, peat smoke is more evident, and the finish has a slightly more medicinal and savory character. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is one of my favorite of the Diageo DE expressions. It’s classic Talisker (enough said?), and the amoroso sherry finish adds a nice creamy and mildly sweet dimension to that. I’ve heard rumblings that the newer NAS releases of this aren’t as good, and that’s a shame if it’s true. This bottle is a great balance between complexity and value and I’ll definitely be buying another to replace it once it’s gone. Price: $68 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Nose - bacon grease, oily peat, iodine, brine, kipper, date, fig, strawberry, toffee, vanilla, cherry syrup, cocoa, orange blossom, chili pepper, honey, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - smoked meat, oily peat, brine, chili pepper, kipper, black pepper, iodine, date, fig, baked apple, candied orange, cherry cola, salted caramel, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, honey, lemon zest, mild to moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium long with smoky, salty meat, caramelized dark fruit, and chili pepper flavors. Talisker 10 year is one of my favorite entry level peated malts, so I’m very excited to give this a try. That familiar oily, briny, meaty peat greets me on the nose. However, dark sherried fruits quickly join the bouquet, providing a nice counterpoint to the savory backbone. The same experience continues on the palate with sweet, salty, spicy, and fruity notes harmonizing nicely from the arrival through the finish. I’m split on whether I like this more than the 10 year. Both are delicious and deserve attention, but I don’t think this is worth $100 when I can buy the standard offering for around $60. I have the same opinion of Lagavulin 16 year and its Distiller’s Edition variant. The cask finish adds an interesting dynamic, but it doesn’t completely transcend the original. If you think Talisker is great, you’ll probably think this is great too. And I do. Many thanks to @ContemplativeFox for providing the sample.