Talisker 57º North

A lot of NAS duty free specials are rubbish, frankly, a reflection of global demand for Scotch outpacing the time required by maturing in barrels. This one is very fine (and extremely strong). 57%, but nicely balanced with the help of a few drops of water: a pleasant, gentle whiff of smoke to start, golden syrup on the first taste, with a long, salty, peaty finish. The label says ‘made by the sea’, which is precisely right. Unless you demand a peat monster like Lagavulin or Laphroaig, this is a delightful dram. Give it a try.