Talisker Distillers Edition 2011 (Bottled 2021)

My review of the 2008 edition several years ago found it superb. The amoroso cask lends a distinct character I rarely encounter. I'll reserve further thoughts for the full write-up. Nose: Smoky and salty. Abundant sea salt, kelp, campfire remnants, and a hint of ash. Salty caramel and salt water candy. Medicinal notes. Walnuts, hazelnuts, and toasted almonds. Wood and oak characteristics. Grapefruit, lemon, and black pepper. Sweetness from honey. Some fruity elements. Cranberries, pineapple, apricot. Raspberries and honeydew melon. Vanilla, honey, and toffee round things out. Cinnamon and oak are present; the alcohol is noticeable but not overpowering. A fantastic blend of peat, sweetness, fruit, and oceanic aromas. A touch of bitterness and citrus add complexity. I'm quite pleased with it from the start. Palate: Campfire smoke and medicinal notes. Lots of sea salt, kelp, and salt water taffy. Burnt rubber and ash. Intense dark chocolate. Anise biscotti, which is unusual. A rich, velvety texture underlies the strong peat and maritime flavors. Vanilla, toffee, salted caramel, butterscotch, and that distinctive anise biscotti note. Green apple, pear, apricot, honeydew, and golden raisins. Hints of ginger. Spicy notes of chili and black bean. Finish: Moderately long. Campfire smoke, medicinal notes, sea salt, and kelp, as anticipated. And then, it appears. As expected, the black bean and red pepper chili flavor emerges. It's a signature Talisker characteristic. There's also a smooth, creamy sensation. Followed by grapefruit and lemon. Finally, black pepper, cinnamon, oak, and a touch more sea salt. An exceptional finish. This is outstanding. It's very much like the 2008 DE in terms of flavor profile and quality. The amoroso cask elevates the already beloved Talisker profile, providing a unique dimension absent in other expressions. The signature Talisker character remains evident, but the robust and rich fruit notes successfully compete with the peat and warmth, claiming an equal presence. It's well-balanced, delivering a remarkable array of flavors. At $95, it's a bit pricey for a bottle from the older packaging. I've heard recent batches aren't as good, and my own experience with some of them wasn't as impressive. This particular release is a wonderfully vibrant and satisfying whisky. 4.75/5.

Aroma: Well-rounded with malt, wine, cooked fruit, and a faint hint of smoke, but the wine presence is dominant. Herbal tea, cedar cigar box, and a medicinal saltiness. The aroma becomes sweeter with time, and a little water softens the wine notes, revealing the scent of fallen leaves. Taste: It's slightly hot upon entry with spicy grains under a layer of semi-sweet wine. The signature Talisker peppery notes appear later on the palate, even stronger than in bourbon-matured Talisker. The texture is good, with a slight tension between sweet richness and spicy dryness. Mustard and paprika emerge as it develops. Dilution mellows the character but doesn't significantly alter the flavor balance. Finish: Medium. Fruity and wine-like, fading into sour brine and a touch of peppermint. Dilution sweetens the lingering taste, which is pleasant. This spirit has been available for some time and was among the first "special finish" releases, predating the common use of wine casks for attention. When it first arrived in 1998, Talisker Distillers Edition was unusual for not using typical oloroso or PX finishing casks, but instead was aged in casks that held amoroso (a blend of oloroso, PX, and brandy). Since then, it has become a regular special edition, well-regarded by critics and consistently selling well. Fortified sherry aging complements Talisker's peppery and briny profile, adding a semi-sweet, dusky quality and refining the spicy notes. However, something about it has never fully won me over. While amoroso casks enhance Talisker's maritime and peppery characteristics, they also significantly reduce its subtle smoky quality, making it almost undetectable. I don't dislike this whisky, but I much prefer the core-range Talisker expressions aged in bourbon casks. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Nose: smoke, charred wood, banana Body: starts sharp but quickly becomes dry and sweet, with notes of raisins, caramel, and an oily texture. Finish: salty and full of wood notes, like sardines. A fantastic whisky that improves with every sip.