Talisker Neist Point

I acquired this newest non-age-statement Talisker about six months ago from an online retailer in the UK and decided to give it a try. Neist Point is named for the westernmost spot on the Isle of Skye, close to the Talisker distillery. This bottle was rather expensive for a NAS, at $114, but it looked interesting enough to sucker me in. Boy, was I glad I took the bait... It’s a nice, polished copper in the Glencairn and makes lots of oily legs when you give it a whirl. A thick, oily slick hangs on to the walls of the glass for quite some time after the liquid settles. The nose is that salty, smoke you know and expect from every Talisker you’ve had in the past. There’s fresh and vibrant oak notes that yield quickly to sweet sherry and juicy, dark fruits. The oakiness appears throughout and smells incredibly deep for a NAS whisky. The palate is smoke and sea salt up front, but sherry, raisins and rich plums really mingle well here. There’s a light, oak backbone but no trace of heat or bitterness at all. It’s mouthwatering and juicy. There has got to be some seriously well-aged, sherry-casked Talisker mixed in here- there’s no denying it. Loads of depth. The finish is medium and oaky. It steadily warms as it fades away and leaves what feels like black raspberry skins on your tongue that just make the mouth water even more. As it dries there’s a hint of youthful spirit harshness, but it in no way diminishes the overall experience. This is one of the better NAS whiskies I think I’ve had to this point. It’s not as deep and complex as the Ardbeg twins, Uigeadail or Corryvrecken, nor is it in the same league as the Laphroaig Lore- but it can hang with those guys on a tasting flight, should you choose to do one. 4.25-4.5 stars. I looked at buying another bottle and prices have risen to $125-130/bottle now. That’s a tough call when you can get the Ardbegs for $80-85 and the Lore for $95, but If you’re a diehard Talisker fan- it’s a no brainer. Cheers.

Discussing this brand means discussing excellence. This is easily my preferred producer because it crafts the most well-rounded, richly flavored, wonderfully intriguing drams. This rather pricey bottling (I purchased a sample, not a whole bottle) was no exception. This expression, originally intended for the travel retail market and named after the westernmost point of Skye, has a classic strength and a deep sherry color. The aroma is incredible. The signature scent is present, but each bottling offers slight variations. This one presents only four aromatic elements, yet they are captivating and appealing: smoke, brine (reminiscent of a specific distillery's edition), burnt matches, and preserved citrus. Beautifully made. On the palate, it is simply divine. Perfectly balanced, every element and taste emerges in the correct manner, all at once. It's approachable yet sufficiently intricate, a genuine masterpiece. Key notes include citrus, spice, smoke, a surprising burst of flavor (hence the term 'explosion'), and wisps of ash and smoke that ebb and flow, even through your nose. The finish is exceptionally long, with a spicy, smoky quality that leaves your entire mouth feeling slightly numb. Perfection. Overall, I award this treasure a perfect score, wholeheartedly recommending it, especially when paired with meat and mushrooms. Wonderful! Cheers!

This marks my second attempt with this Talisker expression, as I seek a Talisker bottle for my collection. The initial aroma on the nose is sweet syrup in a rustic, dark wooden bowl. It lacks fruity or sherry influence, which is a positive. Floral notes then gradually emerge, followed by some cooked fruits in the background, though not overly sweet. The foundation is a pleasant fresh peat. The palate greets with a wild peat – not smoky, but spiced, akin to burning spices in a pan. The palate then progressively sweetens, revealing a delightful blend of peated wood, bitter oranges, and sweet wine gummies. The finish features a very distinctive and intriguing peat, with a taste of dark bread and dried sour orchard fruits. Afterward, the nose becomes brighter, exhibiting some qualities of white wine and fresh banana, and then develops a pleasant brininess. The palate now feels more acidic alongside the nice sweetness. The peat takes on a slightly more chemical character, though not unpleasantly so. A few drops of water added do not significantly alter the nose, perhaps introducing some grain notes. The palate and finish do not gain much from the addition. Overall, it's an interesting, potent, and robust whisky that is sure to pique interest when savored over several drams. It is quite unique.

To begin, I must admit I'm a massive enthusiast of this brand. It was among the first whiskies I ever sampled, and even today, a specific bottling remains a personal favorite. Beyond their recently overpriced older expression, I've acquired nearly all of this brand's offerings, ranging from its standard bottling to an impressive older release and highly regarded vintage editions. This sample was provided by a friend. Ironically, I had previously sold him this particular bottle, but I also received a sample of it, which I appreciate as it was my only remaining bottle. The typical salty, peppery aroma characteristic of this brand is present. However, the taste is more restrained and sophisticated than the standard 10-year, and less so than the 18-year. It features notes of saltwater taffy and caramel, with layers of salted dark chocolate. I'm uncertain about its availability in the US, but if its price is lower than the 18-year, it's an excellent choice. It stands out among the better non-age-statement options, alongside two well-regarded smoky releases from another brand.

First observation: It's astonishing that this travel retail 'exclusive' is significantly more expensive duty-free at Heathrow than at a major online retailer within the UK. Second observation: It's disappointing that a readily available, non-limited bottling without an age statement carries a substantially higher price than the highly praised 18-year-old, while revealing very little about its production. Regarding this specific bottling: It's wonderful that this enjoyable dram is smoother, mellower, and sweeter than the 10-year expression. Despite concerns about the cost and presentation, I'd happily have more.

Tasted by chance at London Gatwick airport, I must say it surprised me positively, compared to the latest Talisker releases. It reminds me in a way of the 10yo in range and complexity despite this one being decidedly less aged. It made me want to try it again in a tasting. The only flaw, if we want to call it that, is the price: more than double compared to the 10yo.