Talisker 18 Year

Sweet lemon, some herbs very subtly peaty. Very solid drink, always happy to have.

All the same notes as Talisker 10, except that the peat and brine is less pronounced, a clear orange note emerges, and the "chili catch" on the end has been polished to a shine. This is well executed - but why don't I like it more? The fact is that this doesn't quite blow me away (and it was quite expensive and hard to obtain). I've enjoyed other 18 year olds more, for example the divisive Bowmore 18 which was so much more assertive and flavorful. I might even go so far as to admit (somewhat shamefully based on the hate that it receives) that I enjoyed the Johnnie Walker 18 more, as it was better integrated, with richer flavors like dates, even at a pitiful 40% ABV. By comparison to some of these other 18s, this Talisker is a bit thin, even at a higher alcohol content, with brittle high notes of salt and citrus instead of richer flavors. And I guess I'm just enjoying richer flavors more right now.

Fruity nose. Delicious.

A lightly peated malt from the Isle of Skye. Was excited to find this bottle at pre-tariff pricing and thought it presented good value for money. Nose: Brine, seaweed, toffee. Kinda imagine this is what a beach on Skye smells like. Palate: Sweet citrus like an orange marmalade, pepper, a hint of black coffee. Finish: The brine and pepper show back up to round out the dram. At just over 91 proof it holds it’s flavors with a good intensity and presents a lasting finish. Other reviews that call this a maritime dram are certainly correct as this takes you straight to a Scottish seaside on a brisk afternoon. Sláinte!