Talisker Neist Point

First off, I need to add the qualifier than I’m a huge Talisker fan boy. It was one of the first whiskies I ever had, and to this day, a Talisker 10 remains one of my favorites. Aside from their recent silly priced 40 yr old, I’ve pretty much collected all the Taliskers—-everything from its 10 to the amazing 27 yr old Diageo special release to its highly acclaimed 2009 30yr old. This sample comes here courtesy from my buddy @LeeEvolved. Ironically, I sold him my Neist Point, but then also received a sample of this, which I’m grateful for since it was my only bottle of Neist Point. Typical briny salty Szechwan pepper nose that you get from any Talisker. But the taste is more subdued and refined than the 10, less than the 18. Salt water toffee and caramel. Layers of salted dark chocolate. I have no idea if this is available in the US, but if it’s priced less than the 18, you can’t go wrong with it. One of the better NAS, alongside Ardbegs two pillars of Corry and Uigi.

I found this newest Talisker NAS whisky about 6 months ago online out of the UK and decided I’d give it a try. Neist Point is named for the westernmost point on the Isle of Skye, near the Talisker distillery. This bottle was rather expensive for a NAS, at $114, but it looked interesting enough to sucker me in. Boy, was I glad I took the bait... It’s a nice, polished copper in the Glencairn and makes lots of oily legs when you give it a whirl. A thick, oily slick hangs on to the walls of the glass for quite some time after the liquid settles. The nose is that salty, smoke you know and expect from every Talisker you’ve had in the past. There’s fresh and vibrant oak notes that yield quickly to sweet sherry and juicy, dark fruits. The oakiness appears throughout and smells incredibly deep for a NAS whisky. The palate is smoke and sea salt up front, but sherry, raisins and rich plums really mingle well here. There’s a light, oak backbone but no trace of heat or bitterness at all. It’s mouthwatering and juicy. There has got to be some seriously well-aged, sherry-casked Talisker mixed in here- there’s no denying it. Loads of depth. The finish is medium and oaky. It steadily warms as it fades away and leaves what feels like black raspberry skins on your tongue that just make the mouth water even more. As it dries there’s a hint of youthful spirit harshness, but it in no way diminishes the overall experience. This is one of the better NAS whiskies I think I’ve had to this point. It’s not as deep and complex as the Ardbeg twins, Uigeadail or Corryvrecken, nor is it in the same league as the Laphroaig Lore- but it can hang with those guys on a tasting flight, should you choose to do one. 4.25-4.5 stars. I looked at buying another bottle and prices have risen to $125-130/bottle now. That’s a tough call when you can get the Ardbegs for $80-85 and the Lore for $95, but If you’re a diehard Talisker fan- it’s a no brainer. Cheers.