Talisker 18 Year

Original review from March 2016: A drop or two of water really opens this up like a BBQ pit. I don't get the sea salt notes like most Islay single malts, but damn it finishes very smoky and smooth. It's like a long, fireside chat that you wish wouldn't end. I could sip on this with a big ole grin until I pass out. Update April 2018: I didn’t transfer the original review above from a couple of years ago because I didn’t do as thorough of a job as I like to do now. But, as luck would have it, my buddy @Generously_Paul recently sent me a fresh pour of this one so I could do a proper review. The problem was that he was using a preservation gas on this bottle before sending me another sample and we both agree that it had a negative effect on his bottle. What I do remember most is the deep, smokiness that permeates the entire sip from nose to finish. Paul’s sample felt like it has gone somewhat flat and it really suppressed all the barrel and sea notes I’ve grown to expect from every Talisker. I remember my original bottle really being a quality whisky, so I still feel comfortable giving this 4.5 stars, but I guess I’m going to have to find another pour somewhere if I really want to sit down and update my notes completely. One day I’ll seek out another bottle. I still highly recommend this one. Cheers and thanks for reading through what is essentially a Seinfeld review- I basically didn’t write anything about the whisky, lol. Now, where’s my residual check @Distiller?

Review transfer from Barreled from October 2016. Wow. This is one fantastic scotch. Simply amazing. Now for the non superlative stuff... Typical 45.8% ABV for Talisker. It is an amber gold color. It appears to have some colorant added but hard to tell since it is a blend of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. No word on if it is chill filtered but the slightly oily mouthfeel would suggest that there may not be. Or at most some light chill filtration. The nose is so complex and sophisticated for a Talisker. Dark berries, plumbs, figs, a hint of light pears and even underripe bananas. Subtle oak spices, toffee, vanilla, orange oil. Low levels of smoky goodness. No alcohol burn. Absolutely wonderful. The palate is sweet with sherried fruits. Lightly peppered that intensifies the more you drink it. Oaky with some smoke. More of a bonfire smoke than cold ash smoke. They took the wild nature of the 10 YO, tamed it, sweetened it, matured it and sent it to finishing school. I could drink this all day. This is incredibly smooth and drinkable. At $165 per bottle it's not for everyday, but this will be my go to for special occasions. Today being my birthday, I'm happy to have reviewed this amazing scotch. If the 25 and 30 year olds are better than this I may not be able to handle it. 4.75 but only because I would have liked more smoke. Cheers!