Tastes

First tasted at the distillery, and left me longing for more. Long story short, I have a full bottle now to enjoy. Hooray for me. It starts good: beautiful copper color. The nose reminds me of bacon pancakes with maple syrup. It has a pleasant mouthfeel, soft like pine nuts. The taste and finish are very similar to sherried whiskies like Glenfarclas, but with a slightly savory, briny, and smoky twist at the end. The twist is too subtle though; I wish the Talisker pepper and smoke were more apparent, then this whisky would be absolutely gorgeous. Nevertheless, it's a lovely dram that you ought to check out, just not for the reasons you usually check out a Talisker. The music equivalent would be Don't Cry from Guns N' Roses: a surprisingly delicate song that shows the diversity (and therefore skill) of the band.

Nose of cinnamon buns with apricot jam and rum-like raisin. Mouthfeel begins a bit thin and the flavor sweet, but it is quickly accompanied with dried fruit and pine nuts. Good sherry finish that stays with you quite a while. I'm normally not a fan of sherry bombs like Glenfarclas, but this expression is well-balanced. Its gentle, rich nature feels appropriate with calming music like Baloney Again from Mark Knopfler.

I love the rose gold colour, it looks gorgeous in a full bottle. However, is that all sherry influence or some E150 as well? On the nose I get biscuits and dried fruits - grapes or figs, can't tell. Either way, it's delicious. Typical sherry notes on the palate: raisins, fruit, pure chocolate. A tad bitter on the finish, but it is neither too long or too short. As I can't help but feel fancy when drinking Dalmore, I feel it's best paired with a delicate song like It's Probably Me from Sting and Eric Clapton.

The lightness of this whisky is one of refinement, not youngness or amateurism. Notes of heather, fruit, nuts, and a short and slightly dry finish. Pairs well with light-hearted bossa nova, like the cover of A Town With An Ocean View from the Kiki's Delivery Service soundtrack.

Half the age, twice the curiosity. Extremely pale. On the nose, fresh, minty sea air, creamy, soft fruit and a trace of smoke. The palate remains soft and fresh, but prickles slightly by the salt and 48% ABV. A lovely dram so far, but the finish is where I first recognize its namesake: peat and the greatest of bonfire smoke, together with the sea air encountered before. Overall, it's softer and fresher than its big brother, which is predominantly musky at face value. Nevertheless, this whisky stands its ground and is deserving of the Lagavulin heirship. Is best accompanied musically by something youthful yet classic like Magic Bus from The Who.

Blair's description is very similar to my experience with this whisky: woody and rich nose, a savoury taste with traces of meñola, and a bitter, zesty, Campari-like finish. The thing that's missing for me personally is some sweetness that balances the savoury taste, like in Talisker's 10 year old. However, this whisky is unique and characterful, and another great example of the fine art of blending.