Talisker 8 Year (2021 Special Release)

The Oak Barrel in Sydney hosted a tasting of Diageo Special Releases 2021 on June 22, 2022. Whisky number six was sampled. Smell: Sharp, invigorating smoke that is abundant yet subtle. Notes of flint, seashore rocks, drying kelp, the scent of rain on dry earth after a seaside storm, green apple peels, newly opened oysters, and smoked whitefish with fennel. A touch of water reveals Kalamata olives in white vinegar, and a larger amount brings out aromas of Sauvignon Blanc. Taste: Initially sweet but sharp, featuring smoky salted lemon. The palate rapidly evolves with considerable elegance. The pervasive smoke is gentle but confident, carrying a distinct coastal character. Imagine lemon slices sprinkled with sea salt grilling next to sea bass drizzled with tart pineapple juice. Subtle fresh grain flavors emerge. A stony, mineral quality balances a mix of hazelnut milk chocolate, water chestnuts, pepper, and a very mild hint of chili. The texture is crisp yet full and satisfying. Ending: Medium to long. Sweet grains and mild smoke with a hint of light citrus returning in the aftertaste. This spirit resembles a precise surgical instrument, a skillfully made rapier, a gleaming flawless topaz, or a Rothko artwork. In contrast, most spirits are merely crude tools. It possesses a breathtakingly lovely, light maritime aroma and flavor that is distinctly smoky yet restrained enough for other scents and tastes to stand out. Like delicate light and shadow modulating the brightness of an old portrait, it achieves remarkable harmony despite being only 8 years old. This demonstrates exceptional spirit production. It also moves like a dolphin, and while appealing neat, it becomes remarkably easy to drink with water, never showing any rubber or plastic notes, no matter how much is added. It simply becomes more palatable and slightly sweeter. Interestingly, there's almost no trace of the anticipated Talisker “chili catch” – in fact, none at all. There's a light spicy heat, but compared to any other Talisker under 25 years old, it's exceptionally mild. One might expect a spirit this clean and crisp to be heavily influenced by the distillation process, but I don't believe that's the case here. It was matured in heavily peated refill casks, which I think acted as neutral vessels with a filtering effect, removing harsh elements and heavier compounds, leaving the spirit sparkling clean and fresh after 8 years. Therefore, it could be considered highly influenced by the cask, but not in the typical additive way. As you can tell, I greatly enjoyed this spirit and almost purchased a bottle, but I had already committed to other purchases. It was among my top three favorite spirits of the evening and offers outstanding value for the price. Many attendees at the tasting selected this as their favorite spirit of the night. Strongly advised. "Excellent": 88/100 (4.5 stars)

Beyond being a big enthusiast of Talisker 10, I felt compelled to acquire the 2021 Special Release T8, if only for its exceptionally striking bottle design. Talisker undeniably embodies the essence of the wild ocean, and this release amplifies that with its 'sea fury' artwork. It lives up to the imagery; the depiction of the sea's wrath in all its monstrous glory prepares you for what awaits in a dram of this spirit. Nose: Potent yet smooth. A commanding presence resides in the glass, capturing your attention. Upon closer inspection, a mild sweetness emerges, reminiscent of vanilla ice cream melting into ripe pear, complemented by a whisper of sea spray. Smoke drifts in as a subtle hint of a distant beach bonfire. The nearly 60% ABV is remarkably well-integrated. As I taste, aromas of briny oysters and white wine become apparent. Exceptional. Palate: This entry is inviting, initially presenting as salty and vegetal with subtle honey and stone fruit notes, creating a sense of security and mildness, before a surge of pepper, brine, and light smoke rushes forward, pulling you into the abyss. The Sea Fury has indeed asserted its dominance, challenging your endurance. The complexity is profound. If you can regain your senses amidst the onslaught, you'll discover notes of candied bacon, dark chocolate, and an earthy minerality. This liquid is clearly born of the elements. Finish: A protracted finish transitions from chili and pepper to mellow bonfire smoke, caramel, and maltiness, as the storm's intensity subsides, preparing for the next onslaught. Compared to the T10, the nose shares similarities but is gentler, more refined, and initially calmer. While this might seem less appealing to T10 aficionados, there's a compelling quality here that commands attention, suggesting a dark, ominous presence beneath a darkening sea. The Sea Fury lies in wait. The palate is extraordinary, intricate, and multifaceted, with emergent flavors that elevate the spirit to new heights of both power and subtlety. This was crafted with great skill. The sharpness is as satisfying as stepping onto a thick layer of fresh snow. A satisfying crunch. The purity of its presentation is masterful. Its power rivals that of the ocean. At just under 60% ABV, this formidable spirit can benefit from water, which lightens and brightens everything without dilution. Originating from the shores of what was, approximately 60 million years ago, a violent and massive volcanic event, the basaltic lavas forming much of central and northern Skye, and indeed the land where Talisker stands, serve as a constant reminder of nature's raw power and aggression; much like the ocean that feeds the loch and washes the coast. This special release perfectly captures nature's fury, yet expertly refined by skilled hands into something manageable, accessible, and fundamentally enjoyable. A whisky tasting entry

Sometimes we take a chance... Nose: Clearly a young spirit. Vanilla, peat, butterscotch, raw malt, and just a HINT of Talisker spice, barely perceptible. Primarily, it presents as a fresh distillate with a good amount of peat, but no unpleasant characteristics. It's a clean young spirit, meaning no issues. Perhaps a very precise distillation cut to mitigate some of these aspects? Taste: The flavors mirror the nose. However, it offers a rich, viscous mouthfeel. It coats the mouth and feels creamy. Vanilla reminiscent of Tootsie Rolls with butterscotch. Good saltiness, and yes, with water, hints of Talisker spice emerge, along with the beginnings of Talisker's fruity malt notes. Ultimately, its value lies in the creamy mouthfeel and bold flavor. Is it more peated than most Talisker? Honestly, I'd need to compare it to something else at cask strength, but I detect more salt than in modern Talisker. As for peat? Smoke? Frankly, it's just saltier and richer. Could the alcohol be masking the peat? I'm uncertain about how to rate this. Part of me objectively believes a young malt at this level is undesirable. However, I don't dislike it; it actually reminds me of a good Lagavulin 12, strangely enough. Not as intensely peated, but the level of vanilla and the mix are present without being offensive or even slightly off-putting. Overall, it's good whisky. It's bold, rich, full of flavor, and has a HUGE body... but it costs $120. And I'm not convinced it's worth $120. Score: 2.25. You might convince me to rate it higher. Share your thoughts. As for purchasing it? I truly wish it were priced at $80, but I'm also considering the Lag 12, which I believe is a definite buy at $120. I'm conflicted... so if these notes appeal to you, get it. If you have any questions, I'd just skip it.

The nose presents pear-lemon hard candy, creamy vanilla, and saltiness. Peat smoke is present, but it's more smoke than peat. There's a slightly herbal/vegetal quality. The palate is very similar: vanilla, salt, lemon and pear, pepper, soot, and smoke. The finish introduces a touch of dark chocolate and seashell. I prefer it with a few drops of water, as it's a bit hot at nearly 60% ABV. It does seem smokier than the 10-year expression, but that might be due to the higher proof intensifying all the flavors. It aligns with the profile of a Talisker. As a fan, I find this quite enjoyable. Who wouldn't appreciate a cask strength Talisker?

There is no right or wrong when it comes to taste, but the criticism and confirmation bias this expression received really puzzled me, and I strongly disagree. Surprisingly peaty, briny, and mineral, the nose features an intriguing mix of lime juice, aniseed, and herbal teas. Sugary and vanilla-driven at first, the palate progresses with white pepper, crisp apples, and bitter lemon. Ashy peat smoke, salt, and a touch of chili appear, leading all the way into the long and interesting finish. This is a characterful and complex whisky that emphasizes everything Talisker represents! RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

Sweet, like molasses. The finish wasn't as prolonged as the 2020's. I couldn't discern many flavors, perhaps due to it being the sixth spirit of the evening. Overall, I was unimpressed.