Talisker 15 Year (2019 Special Release)

And now for something completely different: a fruity Talisker. Peaches, blood orange and grapefruit squeeze their way into the profile of this satisfyingly oily dram, dramatically so when diluted to 50%. The peaches interplay with the classic Talisker sea spray on the nose and burst out of their tin on the palate, where the fruit mingles with a powerful peat. The finish sparkles with pricks of pepper, juicy fruit and a splash of cream. Deliciously different from a typical Talisker, the fruit notes remind me of the Balblair recently bottled by Compass Box for their Myth & Legends series. A worthy special release.

The only other talisker I've had is the 10 year, and this is quite different. Doesn't have as much of an intense brine or peat flavor to it, but it's still an extraordinary malt. Lots of your typical vanilla sweetness from the ex bourbon casks, then brine and peat. Overall, very good expression, A-

Sharp edge filling up with peat sensation as it's coming down the throat. Stays for a time in the tongue.