Talisker Select Reserve (Game of Thrones-House Greyjoy)

At a friend’s place, I spotted a cache of Game of Thrones whiskies ready to explore. As we already had plenty of bottles to try, I asked for a recommendation on the best one and out came the Talisker. The nose starts with what seems to be some sherry notes with caramel covered chocolate prunes then fruits of candied orange peel, peaches and apricots with vanilla cake before notes of light peat and ocean brine with dehydrated seaweed, ginger, leather and polished oak with light ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with vanilla orange creamsicle, then some sherry notes with chocolate covered raisins, apricots leading to campfire ashes, ocean brine with dehydrated seaweed, ginger, cloves, leather and light oak with a medium ethanol burn that finishes medium length with freshly fallen autumn leaves burning in a campfire, sea salt dark chocolate candy bar, candied orange peel, peaches, ginger, cloves and leather. This is a solid whisky that makes me wish I had paid more attention to these Game of Thrones releases, but I already spend too much on whisky and definitely don’t need to play gotta catch them all on some gimmicky bottles to add to my overstuffed cabinets. The whisky is fruity; a balance of peat and spices, but this is also very salty. It seems they made sure to incorporate as much brine as a person can probably handle for the maritime House Greyjoy theme. I personally really enjoy salty foods and this worked really well for me, but I can also see a person dislike this for the same reason.

Talisker-House Greyjoy Smell: I could spend ages just smelling this one. Mild peat, burnt meat, ash, smooth cream, honey, leather, sea spray, mint, and a general underlying sweetness (sometimes hinting at rich toffee, other times at a tangy sweet BBQ sauce). A hint of tropical fruit emerges with time. Straight: Medium, somewhat creamy texture. The initial taste is pure ash and lemon zest. Later sips reveal malt sweetness, sea salt, leather, black pepper, and a touch of crushed pineapple. The finish isn't harsh, but there's a slight burn at the back of the throat. Citrus, ash, salt, and a pleasant peppery tingle build on the palate. Just a trace of sourness. With water: Adds a floral note to the aroma. The taste now begins with milk chocolate. The peat moves to the very back of the tongue. It's like chocolate by a campfire. A hint, real or imagined, of graham cracker makes it almost like making s'mores. The finish gets a good dose of that milk chocolate, and the sourness previously noted turns into dark chocolate. The lingering aftertaste lasts a good while. CONCLUSION: This is my first Talisker, and I must say, impressive. Whether or not it's age-stated, this is quite good. I bought this on a total impulse and now wish I had grabbed more. If I had tried it earlier, I would have bought several bottles for $50. I'm eager to explore more of Talisker's main offerings.

The nose is initially a bit reserved, requiring patience to open up and reveal a distinct sweetness of plums, syruped peaches, spun sugar, and caramel. The peat is maritime and vegetal, with just a touch of smoke. As it sits, the smokiness expands slightly but remains muted. On the palate, things shift. After an initial burst of characteristic black pepper, the peat emerges with a barbecue rib-like intensity, complemented by abundant salt and seaweed, grilled fruit, and a balsamic note. The sweetness detected on the nose supports the other flavors, creating harmony between the senses. Later, notes of leather and wood emerge in the background. A rather lengthy finish with chili pepper, salt, wood, and a hint of ash. It seems subtle on the nose but then provides a notable presence on the palate, different from the typical profile of this distillery, perhaps more approachable but still intriguing. A variation on the theme that, given its cost, is worth trying.

One of the few Game of Thrones bottlings I was missing was from a distillery I favor, the Talisker Select Reserve. This is a non-age-statement dram that promises good flavor, as is typical for Talisker. This one represents the Greyjoys, a Game of Thrones family known for their connection to the sea, much like Talisker. Bottled at their standard 45.8% ABV, with a tawny hue. On the nose: Salty, oceanic, oregano, mild peat, sea and sand. On the palate, this is the most mellow, softest Talisker ever. Toffee, vanilla, and burnt bread. Extremely easy to drink and smooth. Not particularly captivating, though. The finish is the best part by far. Peaty spice and light pepper. Earthy peat. A nice burn, enjoyable. Overall, this is a Talisker for those who don't usually drink Talisker. It's been toned down for people who will buy this whisky just for the TV show, not because they know or appreciate Talisker. It's actually a great introduction to peaty/smoky whiskies, but it's undeniably the weakest Talisker. Despite that, I give it a score of 84 out of 100.

This was difficult to find, but as a fan of the distillery, I'm delighted I sought it out. It's quite similar to the standard 10-year expression, but gentler. On the nose, there's less salt and pepper, and more of a sweet sherry character (I'd wager some casks were sherry-seasoned). The palate is a bit less fiery and, again, slightly sweeter. The finish is savory and exceptionally tasty, making it dangerously easy to drink. (For me, the peat levels are very comparable) This turned out to be a pleasant surprise, a genuinely good spirit, not just a novelty. I'd say it's softer than the 10, less refined than the 18, but still excellent value. I'd recommend it even to those who don't typically favor this distillery's profile (yet!).

Ah Talisker, you are truly yourself. You can produce uninspired mediocrity and get away with it (unlike HP) because you generally maintain what makes you unique – that raw Talisker essence...polished, rough, messy, average. Who cares, it's good. This particular expression lacks refinement, complexity, or anything truly distinct, and if you seek the pure essence of Talisker, look to the 8-year-old special release (by the way, I have kidneys, a wife, and children I'd sell and trade for a drop of the 2019 15-year-old Special release that I can't get my hands on... and I'll cover shipping for both the person and the whisky). Anyway, the price I've seen now at $120 is outrageous. Don't go out of your way to find it, but if you happen upon it for free, drink it all down and drown your sorrows.