Talisker The Wild Explorador (2023 Special Release)

This special release from 2023 carries no age statement, a daring choice for Talisker given their past struggles with NAS expressions. Adding to the intrigue, this year's special release is finished in a blend of port casks: white, tawny, and ruby. Considering my low regard for the NAS port cask finished Port Ruighe, which I consider Talisker's weakest bottling, this NAS port finish is quite telling, especially since I generally enjoy port cask whiskies. Will this release be a disappointment for Talisker in my estimation, or will it pleasantly surprise me? N: Initial sharp burn, so I'll let it rest for a moment to mellow. Faint smoky ash emerges, accompanied by sweet bacon and oak tannins with a leathery feel. A mineral character is present, evoking a misty, foggy, overcast seaside scene. A slightly vegetal and herbal aroma precedes the fruit: sultana, figs, blackcurrant, and a subtle nuttiness like walnut or marzipan. P: Bold. A dry, medium body starts with a sharp, grainy-ashy smoke and a strong hit of black pepper and chili. Allowing the smoke to integrate reveals dark cherry and dark caramel, with woody tannins maintaining the dryness. Crisp apple, a quick burst of summer berries, then dark, rich leather and old furniture polish. Salt. F: Lingering. If approached without care, the finish is a harsh assault of chili and peppercorn. With patience, a slight creaminess appears, perhaps toffee, hinting at nutmeg or cinnamon that doesn't fully materialize. Cool beach bonfire smoke concludes the experience, with a trace of the underlying malt like oats and pastries. Quite remarkable. This has certainly defied expectations. Let's set aside notions of perfection; this isn't it. The youth is apparent from the first nosing, and the characteristic Talisker chili heat is amplified. However, it remains enjoyable and intriguing. Beneath the youthful exuberance, there's a lot to discover in Talisker's character. The port cask influence is subtle and controlled, appearing as understated fruit on the nose and just enough leathery richness to indicate its presence. The palate has a substance that compensates for its somewhat restrained profile, offering sufficient enjoyment. The finish, if one is patient, hints at elusive qualities that compel further exploration. Wild and untamed, it warrants the exploration.

After a streak of 8-year bottlings, they release one with no age statement? How incredibly young is this, for real! But okay, let's move past that. Smell: Salty sea air hints at gentle smoke and sugary notes (knowing it's port-finished, it's definitely port). I genuinely appreciate this straightforward yet quite well-executed aroma. It's classic Talisker with pleasant sweet undertones. It's not aged, it's not extraordinary, but it is pleasing. Flavor: How can this be so excellent? The last two 8-year ones were young spirits. I wasn't fond of the 11-year. This is remarkably good. It clearly isn't ancient, but I detect absolutely no youthful characteristics here. Instead, I get a bold and confident spirit. Intense smoke, prominent salt, and a long finish. Plus, those lovely sweet port notes. It has a slight warmth. It's somewhat basic. But that's anticipated. Seriously folks, this is enjoyable. I'm uncertain of its cost. I acquired this 20cl bottle for over 30... but if a full bottle is below or at 100, I'd say grab it. 3.5 out of 5. Damn, this is delicious.

Nose: Faint peat that intensifies as you inhale, revealing oak, brine, and hints of aged leather. It evokes images of grilling steaks by the sea. Palate: A pleasant coating mouthfeel as the peat appears mid-palate, then echoing the nose with briny notes and touches of oak. I'd estimate the smoke intensity is about one-third of what you'd find in a typical Ardbeg or Lagavulin. The initial sip is smooth before the heat of the nearly 120 proof alcohol makes itself known. It's not harsh, just noticeable. I detect something sweet, like vanilla, between the smoke and then the oak, followed by the alcohol's warmth. This is an adventurous spirit. The port influence gradually becomes more apparent as the whiskey breathes. Finish: The smoke fades, replaced by sweet, jammy port flavors. Savor this one!

Excellent, with notes of berries, salted caramel, cherries, chili peppers, white chocolate, and tropical fruit, influenced by white, ruby, and tawny port casks playing distinct roles. Aroma: Blueberries, Salted Toffee, Chili Peppers, Roses, Strawberries, Morello Cherries, Sultanas, Raspberries, Pineapples, Seville Oranges, Figs, White Chocolate, Butterscotch, Almonds, Barbecue Sauce Taste: Honey, Blueberries, Raisins, Morello Cherries, Cranberries, Vanilla, White Chocolate, Peaches, Salted Caramel, Salted Cod Finish: Blueberries, Luxardo Cherries, Salted Caramel, Raisins, Bananas, Apricots, Sultanas, Toffee, Honey

Nose: surprisingly gentle, hints of peppery spice, some port, a touch of seaside brine. Palate: port influence is nice, oceanic, very woody and salty. Finish: very potent, all-encompassing. A bit too funky for my liking in a Talisker. 7.5/10 Interesting pairing for its power with a grand cru noir at 85%!

Requires dilution, 10 drops/ounce, otherwise too strong to discern the subtleties. Aroma: Initially quite sweet, then a wave of spices and port, sea air. Palate: Port leaning towards vinegar. Finish: A heavy blow, tongue on fire, abundant salt, wood. Pairing: Good with a grand cru of black blend 85%.