Talisker Distillers Edition

Following up on reviewing spirits in my cabinet. I have had different Talisker expressions numerous times over the years; it was among the first single malts I appreciated more than two decades ago, and again, I am surprised I have not reviewed any of them. The four listed are the ones I currently possess. I remember not enjoying the Storm as much previously, and also recall liking the 10-year a bit more than the Distiller’s Edition and the 18-year. Overall, Talisker has been one of my preferred distillers, not only from my past experiences but also based on what I feel are its own qualities. Talisker Storm A rich, robust amber hue, similar to Pantone 130. The aroma presents sweet honey, apricot, smoky peat, iodine, and salt. There is an immediate spicy quality on the palate, with a sweet undertone, and a somewhat viscous texture. The finish is lengthy, displaying a considerable amount of lingering white pepper spice, rapidly shifting to some iodine and abundant smoke, which starts as smoky peat but also shows char on the extended finish. I appreciate the Storm more than I previously did. I believe my past slight disapproval was due to an incorrect assumption that it was finished with added wood, similar to the added staves used by Maker’s Mark in their wood-finished range. At the time, I viewed this negatively, influenced by the use of wood chips by some California wineries, which was seen as "cheap." Maker’s Mark has managed a small triumph with their wood-finished range, which does utilize added staves, but I have no confirmation that Talisker Storm uses that method. Talisker Storm offers a pleasant harmony of sweetness and smoke. It currently sells for just over $50. Would I purchase it again? Yes, at the very least to complement the 10-year. NAS. The pale color suggests no added coloring, though neither the bottle nor website confirm this. 45.8% ABV. Talisker 10 The color is a few shades deeper than the Storm; burnt orange, close to Pantone 138. The nose is more expressive than the Storm, with additional fruity intensity, showing light honey, some lemon custard, dates, clove, sea salt, smoky peat, and even a Laphroaig-like Band-Aid note. Once more, there is a gentle palate thickness, and increased intensity, and an almost acidic citrus component. The finish does not match the Storm’s length, with less smokiness, and also exhibits a hint of sweet vanilla and orange bitters. I have mentioned in several reviews my dislike for the relatively low ABV in some whiskies; 40% ABV is the minimum allowed, and some distillers bottle at 43%. The higher ABV in each of these Talisker samples is not only valued in terms of a (perceived) focus on craftsmanship over economics, but it also enhances the complex flavors. Talisker 10 is available for approximately $60 retail. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Talisker Distiller’s Edition The Distiller’s Edition is even darker than the 10-year, due to sherry-cask aging; clear Pantone 153. The wonderfully complex nose reveals chocolate-covered cherries, bacon jam, a hint of cool menthol, and evident vanilla, which masks (but does not eliminate) the smoky peat of the 10-year. The palate has a bit of glycerin, honey, dried orange peel, liquid pralines, and Honey-Nut Cheerios. A gentle spice leads to a slightly smoky peat, some leathery dryness, and a grain note. The Distiller’s Edition blend of peat and sweetness is a milder, more gentle version of an Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan, and it brings to mind a story. A few years ago, a friend who was not a whisky enthusiast took me to Milroy’s in London’s SoHo. In sequence, we sampled 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 had wanted him to experience a sweet-peat whisky. It was an error, and was entirely out of place with those that preceded it, making the Corry (which I enjoy) unappealing. In fact, I may have deterred him from appreciating peated whisky as a result (the positive outcome of that is one less competitor for purchases). In retrospect, the Talisker Distiller’s Edition would have been more suitable, as it displays the same sweet and smoke in a more subdued fashion. Would I purchase the Talisker Distiller’s Edition again? Yes. Diageo’s “Distiller’s Editions” involve additional aging in sherry casks. The Talisker specifically takes the 10-year expression which is then double-matured in Amoroso casks. 45.8% ABV. This bottle was 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, as expected with eight additional years of aging; clear Pantone 144. The nose is sweet, with brown sugar and vanilla, gentle and creamy lemon custard, and very mild 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 has white pepper, which lingers extensively, as well as some smokiness appearing as bacon. The peat is present, but it pales in comparison to the Storm (which I sampled again immediately after this). Talisker 18 is a remarkable whisky, and can be found for around $180. For me, it is more of a special event dram. It must be appreciated for its nature: an aged whisky from the Isle of Skye that showcases the power of the ocean with the refinement of 18 years of aging. Would I buy it again? Provided I had the disposable income, yes. 45.8% ABV, consistent with the other Talisker expressions here. I enjoy creating these “showdown” reviews, but the goal is not necessarily to establish a rank order, but rather to contrast similar whiskies side-by-side to better highlight their individual differences and strengths (or weaknesses). The general progression here, from first to last, is reduced smokiness and increased complexity. And while my subjective scoring varies, this is not to suggest that any of these are inherently “superior” to any of the others; all are good, but they possess different characteristics. I would keep each one available. Talisker has a dedicated following, and there is little I can add to the sentiments of those who already appreciate it (I am one of them). The Storm is about smoky peat; the “Storm” designation is fitting. 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 from sherry-cask finishing, and its intricate interaction with the peaty smoke. The 18 is about the added complexity from extended aging. With increased age comes less ostentation, and thus more contemplation; and on a pensive and rainy day, I find the 18 to be the most intellectually rewarding. On the whole, these are very good collectively, but not quite as exceptional as I had remembered. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

TALISKER SHOWDOWN REDUX Talisker Storm Talisker 10 Talisker Distiller’s Edition Talisker 18 (Previous assessment 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 Sweet honey, smoky peat, pumpkin pie, apricot, kelp, iodine, sea salt. Lightly viscous in the mouth with 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 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 intensity 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 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+ 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 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 intensity 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 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.

While discussing Barrell Seagrass, I mentioned this Talisker Distiller's Edition. I opened this bottle the week before the Seagrass, and my initial impression was, "Why drink anything else?" Some spirits make me wish for a candle version for a mood boost. The Dalwhinnie Game of Thrones edition, despite its unmemorable palate and finish, had a floral and honeyed nose unlike any other whisky. The Laphroaig Cairdeas from last year, finished in PX casks, also had a nose I'd want in candle form. That Laphroaig Cairdeas PX is the closest I can compare this Talisker Distiller's Edition to; both are Islay, heavily peated, and sherry cask finished. The key difference is the proof: 117 for the Cairdeas versus 92 here. This is my first Talisker; my prior Islay enjoyment came from Ardbeg and Laphroaig. I'd previously enjoyed the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition (my first Lagavulin, still haven't tried the 16) and the Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength (delightful and unique for an Islay). But never Talisker. This year, after buying the 10 and Dark Storm, I chose to open the Distiller's Edition first. The sherry finish is the draw. I suspected similar profiles despite the Amoroso sherry finish here versus PX on the Cairdeas, and I'm not disappointed. The nose combines peat smoke and fruitiness with a nice toffee undertone. A subtle earthiness is a welcome touch, and everything feels well-balanced. On the tongue, sea salt meets peat and strawberry taffy; it's just wonderful. The medium finish lets the smoke, peat, and strawberry flavors linger, inviting continuous sipping. As I said, "Why drink anything else?" I have an unopened Laphroaig 10 Sherry Finished, and I'm curious about its comparison to this Talisker Distiller's Edition. This weekend, I'll likely open this year's Laphroaig Cairdeas Warehouse 1. While opinions on this year's Cairdeas are varied, that might be good, tempering expectations. My brother-in-law, an Islay fan and Talisker admirer, is visiting for the Eagle-Cardinals game. I plan a lineup (don't tell him, he likes surprise tastings): 1. Laphroaig Warehouse 1; 2. Talisker Distiller's Edition; 3. Nikka from the Barrel (its maritime notes might complement the Talisker); 4. Barrell Seagrass (my "something completely different" pour; I'll give it another try after being lukewarm last week, it might grow on me). It'll be a great time!

Tasted blind. Dark golden color, thinly coats the glass with wispy, plentiful legs. Nose: Slightly sweet smoke, charcoal, heather, clover honey, barbecue, and hay. The smoke is less intense than in most Islay whiskies I've sampled. It also has notes of dried pineapple, burnt sugar, hints of fig, a slight sea spray, and a cinnamon roll. The palate has sweet dried fruits, intense burnt sugar, and a coating sensation that falls short of being viscous. There's a slight barbecue aroma and lip-smacking burnt sugar, fig, and clean ash on the finish. A subtle phenol is noticeable on the second sip, but the sweet, charred malt notes are quite prominent. The finish is long and satisfying, with well-balanced dark caramel and smoke flavors. There might be a hint of dried fig or other dried fruit, but I might be imagining it. This is a solid dram, like a smoky sticky bun with subtle supporting wood notes – perfect for a campfire dessert. No overly fruity or wine-like notes come through for me. I would guess it's lightly peated, smoked malt aged in second or third-fill bourbon barrels. Based on the proof and body, I estimate it's around 48% ABV and aged between 12-15 years. Could it be from Campbeltown? It lacks sufficient brine and kipper notes. Skye is possible. Oban? Too smoky. Bowmore? I haven't tried it. It could be a younger Lagavulin, but the ash intensity isn't there. The empty glass is rich with dark salted caramel, barbecue, and for the first time, a hint of spent pipe bowl. Delightful. It's not as deep or complex as a Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg Corryvreckan, or Talisker 10, and it's bolder but less complex than a Johnnie Walker Green. It ranks above Laphroaig 10 and significantly above Johnnie Walker Double Black. I'd rate it between 3.75-4.0, leaning towards the latter because, overall, it's very good but not exceptional. Reveal: Talisker DE (year unknown). Was this Double Matured finished in bourbon barrels or port instead of Sherry? Is this Amoroso finished, really? Could this be the 2020 edition, with recharged American oak splashed with Amoroso for a mere 6 months? I just don't perceive the sherry notes as strongly as in the 10-year. The 10-year makes me feel sophisticated. It feels complete across the spectrum and wonderfully balanced. This expression is complex and well-balanced, but not as bright. Honestly, I wouldn't trade the 10-year for this, but I wouldn't pass on this either, as Talisker can do no wrong in my book. If they were the same price, I might swap them but would always keep at least one on my shelf. I owe a friend a big thank you for sharing this sample!

Review #085 Type: single malt scotch Comments: 2021 release, aged 10 years, matured in ex-bourbon, finished in ex-amoroso sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance: Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the glass, slow legs form. Nose: 16/20 Cherries dipped in dark chocolate, orange marmalade, butterscotch, a few whiffs of peat smoke, sea breeze by the beach, 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 at first, some orange citrus too, transitioning to black pepper and old leather, then 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

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 a friend for providing the sample.