Talisker 18 year old single malt review

Talisker 18 year old single malt whisky comes from Isle of Skye region in Scotland. Talisker distillery is something you either love or hate. They produce whisky that has strong character, very powerful coastal notes.

I’m kind of in the middle of my love and hate relationship. Originally I hated their legendary 10 year old expression. Legendary because it’s such a coastal beast. Then I’ve had the likes of Dark Storm and Port Ruighe, both exceptionally good whiskies. Which lead me to revisit the 10YO and it actually wasn’t that bad anymore. Although growing to like the 10YO is still a journey I’m on.

But let’s talk about Taliker 18 year old. This expression won the title of “Best Whisky in the World” at the 2007 World Whiskies Awards. Matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, it is truly a legend in the whisky world. Something I fell in love it immediately.

Talisker 18 year old single malt whisky review

Sophisticated Talisker

What strikes me the most with this dram is the elegance. Even though I usually like the biggest characters, the ones that really rub your face with their most dominating parts. Especially the peat monsters. And especially the brand Talisker.

But every now and then it’s nice to get smoothness and balance. That’s just what this Talisker provides. And don’t get me wrong, it is powerful like a Talisker is expected to be. But I was not expecting it to be so smooth. This 18 year old single malt has aged very well!

Matured in:

Refill and rejuvenated Ex-Borubon and Ex-Sherry casks

ABV: 45.8%

Non-chill filtered, no added colour

Colour: Dark amber

Nose: Hints of sherry, lots of peat and salty fresh sea air. Fresh and round. Bit acid. Hints of red fruits with lemons on a camp fire.

Taste: Rich and full. Starts with peat and fruits. Seaweed comes in at some point. Surprisingly soft and smooth for a Talisker. Peppers and coffee notes rise from the back, with glimpses of delicate smoke.

Finish: Amazingly enough, the smoothness continues. Peat is very much presented again. Sherry and oak on the side. Peppery malt with zesty oranges.

Balance: I found it very easy to drink. Is it really a Talisker?! Has lots of character and is powerful in its own way. But what’s amazing is the fact that you can easily take big mouthfuls of this powerhouse. Sophisticated combination of strong peat and fruity sherry influence. Great job Talisker!