Talisker Select Reserve (Game of Thrones-House Greyjoy)

Smokey, spice, brown sugar, sour, bay leaves, red licorice.

Talisker-House Greyjoy NOSE: Another one of those I could nose for hours. Light Peat, Charred Meat, Ash, Fresh Cream, Honey, Leather, Salt Air, Mint, and an underlying General Sweetness (hinting at gooey Toffee at times, and sweet tangy BBQ Sauce at others). Some Tropical Fruit develops with time in the glass. Great nose. NEAT: Medium, slightly Creamy mouthfeel. The first sip is all Ash and Lemon Peel. Subsequent sips offer notes of Malt Sweetness, Salt Brine, Leather, Black Pepper, and a hint of Crushed Pineapple. Not overly hot on the finish, but there is a little burn at the back of the tongue. Citrus/Ash/Salt and a nice Peppery Tingle coat and build on the palate. Just a hint of Sourness. SPLASH: Gives a Floral Note to the nose. On the palate, it now enters with Milk Chocolate. The Peat moves all the way to the back of the tongue. This is Chocolate by the campfire. A real or imagined hint of Graham Cracker and now this is almost like making S'mores. The finish gets a healthy shot of that Milk Chocolate and the sourness noted before becomes Dark Chocolate. The aftertaste lingers for quite some time. VERDICT: This is my first Talisker and might I just say, wow. NAS or not, this is just very good. Picked this one up strictly on a whim and now regret that I waited until the last bottle. Had I tried it sooner, this would've been a multiple bottle purchase at $50. Very much looking forward to exploring Talisker's core lineup now.

Aromas of smoked venison and laphroig-like iodine. Continues on the palate with the game meat coming to the forefront and notes of grilled pineapple in the background. The bright salinity carries throughout and provides great lift.

Nose - I get burnt sugar and pepper spice. Maybe poached pear as well. Taste - Sweet and salty to start, with that distinct maritime Talisker flavor. Finishes warm and spicy, almost like smoked paprika. Good stuff, reminds me of the 10, but with the volume turned down a touch. Probably my favorite of the GoT single malts. Enjoyed neat or with ice.