Origin: Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 45.8%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry Amoroso
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 48.00
Official website: taliskerwhisky.com
Vote: 86/100
We’re back to good old Game of Thrones and the limited edition dedicated to the series in 2018, this time in the guise of the Distillery of Skye.
As always, here’s a summary of all the editions:
– Cardhu Gold Reserve (dedicated to the House Targaryen);
– Clynelish Reserve (dedicated to the House Tyrell);
– Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost (dedicated to the House Stark);
– Lagavulin 9yo (dedicated to the House Lannister);
– Mortlach 15yo (dedicated to the Six Kingdoms);
– Oban Bay Reserve (dedicated to the Night’s Watch);
– Royal Lachnagar 12yo (dedicated to the House Baratheon);
– Singleton of Glendullan Reserve (dedicated to the House Tully);
– Talisker Select Reserve (dedicated to the House Greyjoy).
Nominally not part of the series, but nevertheless inspired by GoT, are the following:
– Johnnie Walker White Walker (dedicated to the White Walkers);
– Johnnie Walker Song of Fire and Johnnie Walker Song of Ice.
What makes me smile a little is the choice of name for this NAS, which, like other bottlings in the series, evokes the idea of a reserve of selected barrels, implying exclusivity and high quality… at these runs and prices…
Tasting notes
The aroma on the nose is initially a little shy, and it takes time for it to open up to the air, revealing an unmistakably sweet soul of plums, peaches in syrup, candy floss and caramel. The peat is marine and vegetal, with just a hint of smoke caressing it. With time, the smokiness expands slightly, but remains muted.
On the palate things change, and after the Taliskserian black pepper lash, the peat roars (or whatever the octopus battle cry is) with the personality of a barbecue rib-eye, accompanied by plenty of salt and seaweed, grilled fruit skewers and a balsamic note. The body is held up by the sweetness of the nose, which frames the other aromas, maintaining the coherence of the two senses. On the length, leather and wood also arrive, in the background.
The finish is quite long, with chilli, salt, wood and a hint of ash.
It’s dull on the nose and then offers a sparkle on the palate, different from the Taliskers we are used to, perhaps more pleasing, but still interesting.
A variation on the theme which, given the price, is worth trying.
Other perspectives:
The Whiskey Jug