Origin: Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 45.8%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: taliskerwhisky.com
Vote: 83/100
Initially released only for airport duty free in the second half of 2022, as is often the case this NAS of Talisker can now be found almost everywhere, shattering the dreams of exclusivity (if there ever were any) of those who rushed to buy it at the time thinking they would have a limited edition on their hands.
The (declared) peculiarity of this bottling is the finishing in ex-bourbon first fill casks, in addition to an initial maturation presumably still in ex-bourbon but less loaded. On paper, therefore, it adds practically nothing to other bottlings already in the distillery’s portfolio: usual maturation, usual strength… and that’s it. The ‘surge’ of the name I believe refers to the price, the not inconsiderable amount of which I find hard to justify.
Maybe it’s just really good.
Tasting notes
The nose expresses a coastal soul, lots of sea, rocks, sea breeze and oysters accompanied by a delicate but persistent bonfire. You sit on the beach opening a basket which contains fruit (mango, peach, apricot, coconut), custard tarts and Alpenliebe candies, but the maritime hints remain overpowering. Less loaded on the peaty side than the classic Talisker, but very inviting.
On the palate, having paid the duty to the distillery’s peppery signature that accompanies the whole dram, the peat raises the volume on the tones of embers with medicinal touches, grilling the fruity components (apple and pineapple are added) and the sweet ones, which are much less incisive than on the nose. A vegetal part is evident (with a floral flicker) with the emergence of the mineral and chalky component, especially along the length, with an important salinity.
The finish is medium and mineral, of burning embers, grilled fruit, brine and wood.
Not great but not negligible either, although it doesn’t offer an unforgettable drink the experience is pleasant and in line with the distillery’s profile, just lacking in depth on the palate and betraying some sins of youth.