Talisker 25 Year

Nose: Light citrus zest and juice, blended with the gentlest possible aromatic herbal tobacco. Faint brine dances about, but it's way in the background and the breeze that carries it also bears honeysuckle, strawberry jam, tangerine, ripe peach, vanilla blossom, lilac and rose petal. After resting and developing for 20 minutes the nose gains considerable heft and takes on a leathery quality, but the initial light smoked-fruit character perseveres. Later still, a more energetic tobacco note evolves and after 40 minutes of resting in the glass this whisky is still evolving and expanding. The smoke element on the nose of this dram is of a completely different quality and class than that evinced by any other smoky whisky. C'est formidable. Palate: Masterful. Complex yet simple with waves, layers and whorls of coiling expression. The arrival and development are so closely entwined it's impossible to extricate the components. Mild peat smoke, honey, plums, berries of all description, barley sugar, marzipan, the faintest tinge of pepper and sweet chili, leathery richness, candied hazelnuts, pontefract cake, squill candy, honey jumbles, tea cake, the sweetest of red apples, smoked herring, smoked salmon, caramel ... that just scratches the surface. The signature Talisker chili "catch" is still there, but now it's a slow-burn glow that evolves in the late palate to fill the senses with a warmth like a sunny afternoon. Finish: Long. Exceptionally elegant and fruity, faintly smoky, and delightfully savory, the sum total of the palate experience gently and elegantly waltzes into the gloaming. An impeccable whisky. Seamlessly fashioned, seductive, magnificently textured - the integration and balance is a thing of beauty that brings tears to the eyes - it must be tasted to be believed. It's not cheap, but it is worth every cent. This is a desert island dram. "Outstanding" : 90/100 (5 stars)

Herby, brine/smoked meat aromas with a bit of vanilla sweetness. Excellent mouthfeel, not oily but thick. Equal parts buttery, caramel cookie and strong pepper. The two are very separate. Super interesting. Finish is fast and fiery.

Nose - Sweet briny smoke, salt & pepper on smoked kelp, dried persimmons, spicy oak Taste - Salty drying sweet charcoal smoke, white pepper tingle, salty dried persimmon sweet, light oaky bitterness, hint of lemon zest, lightly medicinal/metallic Finish - Long lingering smoky salt, light medicinal/metallic sweet, light salty white pepper tingle/heat Score - 75/100 Final Thoughts - I guess I'm not really a fan of this older expression. It sort of had the "depth" & "age" vibe, but it was all sorts of flavors that were a bit off-putting to me. The smoke was subtle enough, but still quite present even after 25 years in oak. The sweetness was a bit tough to pinpoint, but it reminded me of dried persimmons, which I'm not a huge fan of. There was this medicinal/metallic vibe that I sometimes get from dried fruits that are a bit old. This was interesting as I think I seem to enjoy younger, finished Taliskers better. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No