Talisker x Parley Wilder Seas

I'm currently halfway through my European journey. Due to unexpected circumstances regarding access to rocks, my planned visit to the Lakes Distillery did not occur. Therefore, no distillery visit this time. However, all is not lost. I'm presently gazing out over Rome's affluent legal district. This morning, while browsing duty-free at the airport, I purchased a bottle of Talisker, and not just any bottle. My wife and I walked about 20 km today exploring the sights, and I've been anticipating this moment... "Talisker is proud to present a new limited edition: Talisker 'Wilder Seas' in collaboration with our partner, Parley for the Oceans. Our shared goal is to rewild more than 100 million square metres of ocean forest, and with Talisker Wilder Seas, we invite wild spirits around the world to join us on our journey. Talisker x Parley "Wilder Seas" is our very first single malt scotch whisky finished in French Oak XO Cognac casks. It has a pleasurable weight on the palate and a fine depth of taste, delivering a highly successful marriage of cask and spirit character - mature and rounded. The new 100% recycled bottle is made from biofuel and has been re-shaped into the distinctive Talisker bottle. This Limited Edition is vision and mission combined, as the in-built donation supports global, sustainable projects to protect and preserve sea forests off the coast of Scotland, South Africa and Chile." Nose: Gentle yet quite potent. A dry mineral character is present alongside maritime brine, a smoky bacon note, and very subtle leafy tobacco. While this is characteristic of Talisker, a delicate richness is added by a sultana and figgy malt. This richness is understated and rather lovely. Palate: Full-bodied and slightly viscous. It begins with a creamy, heavyweight sweetness reminiscent of the fig and sultana from the nose. However, this is quickly joined by slightly salty meats, an ashy beach bonfire, a hint of deck tar, and the essential Talisker warmth, though it's very restrained. Finish: Long to very long. Evokes the warmth of a winter hearth, with drying smoke, and an interplay of salt, caramel-like dates, and black pepper. What an interesting pour. I find myself comparing it to memories of Talisker 18 and Port Charlotte CC:01. When I reviewed the T18, I concluded with, "It possesses all the power of the 10. It is bold, assertive, and rich in depth. Yet, it is calmer without being subdued. It is the culmination of the tempest's fury and the subsequent contemplative calm. This is excellent." The CC:01 was nearly perfect for me, one of my very few 5/5 ratings. The cognac cask in CC:01 imparts a depth of character to an already exceptional spirit and whisky-making process, resulting in a uniquely developed character. While this Talisker doesn't quite match the T18 at its foundation, nor does it possess the powerful novelty of the CC:01, this Wilder Seas is not far behind. I appreciate evocative descriptions, and for Talisker, it's all about the sea. Here, I envision a period naval officer, impeccably dressed, disembarking from his ship and commanding attention upon entering a room. This dram exhibits considerable power and composure. Talisker Running Scores T10 - 4/5 T18 - 4.75/5 57° North - 4.25/5 Skye - 3.5/5 T8 2021 (Sea Fury) 4.5/5 Wilder Seas - 4.25/5 'Brandy' cask running scores: Port Charlotte CC:01 - 5/5 Balvenie 16 French Oak Pineau Cask Finish - 3.5/5 Arran Rare Batch 17 y/o Calvados - 3.75/5 Starward Cognac Cask - 3.5/5 Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment Ponoma 2.75/5 Starward Small Batch, Sticky Toffee Apple - 3.25/5 Talisker X Parley Wilder Seas - 4.25/5 *edited at 1/3 of bottle remaining*

Nose: First, ripe berries, rosewater, and hyacinth. Initially, a very fruity character, but further sniffing revealed more maritime qualities (seaspray, tarry ropes, perique tobacco), salted caramel, and gentle smoke with a warm, rounded feel like smoked ham. Palate: The arrival was smooth and, like the aroma, it had a sweet fruitiness (fig jam, sultanas, stewed apricot). As it developed, this moved to smoked, glazed pork ribs with a spicy salt and pepper rub. The brine sensation intensifies and seems poised to dominate but then recedes as Szechuan pepper and mild smoky paprika take over. The texture is smooth with substantial weight. Finish: Medium/Long. Fruit stewed with spices, aromatic peat smoke, and a little pepper. This whisky possesses an unusually fruity character for a Talisker, but it's not the crisp orchard fruit style of malt. Rather, the fruit notes here are deep and full-bodied, supported by a foundation of leather, tobacco, and cocoa. It’s a very pleasing profile, showcasing a different facet of Talisker, reminiscent of their Distiller’s Edition, though not identical. It's an immediately inviting and easy-to-drink malt that I believe would appeal to most, but those who prefer their Talisker bone-dry and peppery might find this too sweet and perhaps a bit mild. It’s certainly not the raging tempest of Dark Storm or 57 Degrees North, nor is it the refined dignity of the 18 or 25 year old. This is more of a charming rogue with flair. Perhaps like a certain pirate? I preferred this without dilution, as it seemed most balanced that way. Tasted from a sample kindly provided by a friend “Very Good”: 86/100 (4 stars)

Talisker recently partnered with Parley, an organization dedicated to preserving ocean kelp and other environmental sea causes. To commemorate that partnership and raise funds for the ocean, a new, visually appealing expression has joined my home bar: the Talisker Parley "Wilder Seas". Even the bottle is crafted from 100% recycled glass using biofuel, and it's matured in ex-Cognac casks. To enhance it further, it comes at 48.6% ABV. On the nose, this is remarkable. Salted chocolate, salted caramel, everything salted. Aromatic smoke. After a couple of sips, the aroma shifts to coffee with milk. Honey. On the palate, it's marvelous. Coffee, toffee. Salt appears only to transform into a pepper bomb. Aftertaste is smoky, peppery. Ginger and toffee. Very direct but amazing. Overall, at this price point, you simply cannot find better whiskies. The Cognac Casks have imparted a bitter chocolate/coffee/cocoa profile to this dram, which I find very interesting since those are not typical notes for a Talisker. A wonderful single malt, my score is 95 out of 100. I love Talisker.

Nose: Gentle sea salt notes and very soft smoke. Dried fruit and malt sweetness with a peppery finish. Palate: Rich fruits with a slightly ashy and mineral undertone. The signature Talisker pepper note comes through. Finish: Slightly drying smoke, with sea salt, pepper, and some fruit. The cognac casks appear to temper the Talisker smoke and pepper, while adding a fruitier note without making it overly sweet. 7.5/10

Nose: Salt, seaside, toffee Palate: Salted caramel with abundant sea salt, toasty effervescence Finish: Long with plenty of salt Comments: The finest Talisker experienced so far

Smell: Apple, Tobacco, Oak Taste: Raisin, Chocolate, Toffee, Black Pepper, Smoke Aftertaste: Dark Chocolate, Raisin, Oak