The_Rev
Reviewed
November 26, 2018 (edited March 30, 2020)
While I'm sure that Binny's is grateful that I paid for this with gold, not iron, I still think the best way to market this, the dram of the Iron Islands, is by requiring that one take it by force. That being said, if authenticity to the character of the great house of Westeros chosen for the bottling is one of my rating criteria, Diageo did a fine job here.
First off, Talisker is the obvious pick from their holdings for the seafaring, island-dwelling folk of House Greyjoy. So, score one. Next up - this is the least smoky, but possibly most maritime, dram I've had from Talisker. Excellent. Thirdly...it's Talisker. There is no bad Talisker, only good Talisker and better Talisker.
The nose is quintessential Talisker - salty sea air, toffee, that red pepper note I only ever find in their whisky. The palate is creamy, but substantial, with only a little whiff of smoke drifting in the background as brine, salted caramel and cashew ice cream, and red pepper flakes dance around. It's a bit sweeter and less savory than I usually expect from them, but this still feels like Talisker...just a different take on things.
Very good stuff, and at about $45, you're definitely getting a good deal. Well done, Diageo...well done.
45.0
USD
per
Bottle