Talisker Distillers Edition 2021 - 45.8%
An annual release of some of our finest single malt scotch whiskies.
Each showcases a regional style of malt whisky-making, using skills and knowledge honed over many years. The result is a range of sublime, deeply flavoured single malt whiskies which possess a richness, depth, complexity and nuance of flavour not found in the regular release. Aged in oak cask wood selected to complement the individual distillery’s character.
2011 Talisker double-matured in ex-bodega Amoroso cask wood for rich and fruity sweetness that rounds out the peaty, peppery punch of the malty regular release, to create a richly rewarding and deeper style of malt.
Amoroso is a combination of Oloroso which has been aged for 15 years and Pedro Ximenez, which is blended together before being matured for 4 years in American oak butts. The resultant sherry is dark, sweet and similar in nature to a cream sherry.
Appearance: Amber gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Bonfires on the beach, golden sultanas, dry peat smoke and sea breeze.
Palate: Oily, with baked orchard fruits, dried fruits, smoky peat and coastal salt.
Finish: Long, with sweet and smoky barbecued pork, dried fruit and dark, salted chocolate.
Summary: Although this is essentially the standard 10 year old whisky with a cask finish, it’s in a completely different class. A beautiful nose, with dry peaty smoke and sea salt, leaves you in no doubt as to its island origins. Add to that the sultana sweetness from the Amoroso cask, hints of chocolate and barbecued pork and you have a beautifully rich, complex whisky.
Currently available for sub-£60, and selling on The Spirits Embassy website for £52.99 which, for me, represents excellent value. On Diageo's own website it's currently retailing at £88.49, more in line with their recent colossal price hikes and at a point which I find lot more difficult to justify opening my wallet for.
If you would like to know more about Talisker and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
