Origin: Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 57.9%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon finished in ex-Rum pot still
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 94.00
Official website: taliskerwhisky.com
Vote: 90/100
I am continuing my sampling of this year’s Special Releases from Diageo, in the always splendid Rare by Nature guise, this time with a Talisker which, on the release of its details, has caused a bit of a stir on the internet.
As well as being aged for 8 years, as in the 2018 version, it has been matured in ex-Rum pot still casks, i.e. double-distilled, and this has caused many to “shake in their boots”.
Cask strength, no additional colouring and no chillfiltration, it joins the other bottles in this release.
Here you can find the list of all 2020 releases.
Tasting notes
Light gold in the glass.
On the nose, every fear is shattered by the ocean’s wet rocks, which with a hint of acetone reveal a profile that is sweet but not cloying, on the contrary: sugar paste, almonds, a splash of lemon, wet grass. The brackish, oceanic component is very present and envelops the nostrils, evoking the very idea of being on the shore. The peat tends to show itself along the length, but in a suffused, caressing way. Non-existent alcohol.
The peat grows on the palate, smoky but still soft, with a peppery taste that is less full than one might expect. The tones remain in the range of sweet and salty, perhaps with a slight predominance of the latter, but this is really a trifle: the balance between the sugary components (to which vanilla and marzipan are added) and the salty ones (a touch of roasted peanuts?) is masterful and amusing, filling the mouth and presenting itself with different variations at every sip while remaining within the same score. Impression of cereals.
The finish is quite long, of salt and ash, with veins of sugar icing, vanilla, peanuts.
Young but with very clear ideas, not at all intimidated by the Rum that so many feared, kept at bay by a fiercely coastal spirit that leaves little to chance. It sooo drinkable, even too much so!