Talisker 1985 Maritime Edition

This was my preferred Talisker until I sampled their 2005 bottling of a 25 year old at cask strength. I possess bottle 0719 of 3000. The presentation is the presentation. I question why Diageo has chosen to link Talisker’s “Made by the Sea” tagline with boating. Regardless. I am not drinking this on a boat. I am not learning maritime signals. Inform me about the spirit within. It is bottled at cask strength, 56.1%. The majority is matured in American oak refill hogsheads. The vintage is 1985. This was bottled in 2013. This package includes a small booklet, and that is all the pertinent details provided regarding the actual liquid. Fortunately, the liquid is exceptional. This is very oceanic with abundant salt, fish, seaweed, and lime on the nose. On the palate, this is incredibly spicy. Imagine scattering chili flakes on dark chocolate; or extinguishing your cigar in chili oil. There’s white pepper, fennel, eucalyptus, and still substantial seaweed umami. Surprisingly, at 27 years, I still detect malt and saltine crackers. The texture is silky and ethereal. In comparison to the 2005 cask strength Talisker, this 2013 bottling is clearly less fruity or earthy. There are some peach and nectarine notes, but there is no vibrant burst of fruit that I perceived with the 2005. The finish is smoky and leathery. There is a hint of soapiness, but in a fitting seawater manner. I acquired this bottle on discount for $525. At that cost, I am content. However, if the 25 year old 2005 bottling is offered at the same price as this 27 year old 2013 bottling, opt for the former without hesitation. Score: *** (I am not worthy) Bottle cost: $550-800 and still available My perceived bottle worth: $550

Received a sample of this fantastic dram. Allowed to rest for 15 minutes before tasting, but I'm evaluating the evolution of the aroma over time. Fresh taste in a Glencairn glass. Aroma (4.75): A beautiful balance of peat and sweet white fruits, with neither overpowering the other. The aroma isn't intense. Notes of peat smoke, nectarine, peach, vanilla whipped cream, cookies, and a touch of lemon oil. A few drops of water significantly enhance the sweetness and boldness. Tart cinnamon emerges. Palate (5): A sweet melody erupts, followed by a creamy mouthfeel, and then the peat arrives. There's a slight presence of spice and bitterness, like pepper and ginger. Finish (4.5): Medium length. Notes of yeast, honey-glazed wood, ginseng, vanilla bean ice cream, and a tiny hint of bitterness. Apples.

Absolutely outstanding. Abundant notes of salt, spice, smoke, savory characteristics, dark chocolate, and fruit. Nose: Pineapple, seaweed, bacon, iodine, salted caramel, guava, mandarin orange, almond, salted chocolate, mango, clove, coal, barbecue pork, graham cracker, vanilla, white chocolate Palate: Salted chocolate, salted caramel, apricot, Makuna honey, sultana, iodine, mackerel, five-spice ribs, ginger, star anise, toasted marshmallow, prickly pear, Mexican hot chocolate Finish: Seaweed, Makuna honey, salted caramel, bacon, chocolate chip cookies, Morello cherry, ginger, cinnamon, chili pepper, bubble gum

Starts sweeter, then opens up to pineapple/citrus with a great mouthfeel and oily texture. A salty finish. So pleasing.

Rich flavor. Smooth and oily mouthfeel. Abundant brine and rich aromas.

Wonderful earthy wood aromas