Talisker The Wild Explorador (2023 Special Release)

Very good with notes of berries, salted caramel, cherries, chili peppers, white chocolate, and tropical fruit with the influence of white, ruby, and tawny port casks each playing a role. Nose: Blueberries, Salted Toffee, Chili Peppers, Roses, Strawberries, Morello Cherries, Sultanas, Raspberries, Pineapples, Seville Oranges, Figs, White Chocolate, Butterscotch, Almonds, Barbecue Sauce Palate: Honey, Blueberries, Raisins, Morello Cherries, Cranberries, Vanilla, White Chocolate, Peaches, Salted Caramel, Salted Cod Finish: Blueberries, Luxardo Cherries, Salted Caramel, Raisins, Bananas, Apricots, Sultanas, Toffee, Honey

So after a series of 8 year releases, they go NAS? Seriously, how damn young is this! OK so lets ignore that Nose - Sea breeze salt brings some light peat and sweetness (knowing it's port finished it's port). I honestly really enjoy this simple yet pretty well done nose. It's talisker through and through with some nice sweet notes. It isn't old it isn't special but it's nice. Taste - how is this so good? I got young whisky on the past two 8's. I didn't love the 11. This is freaking good. It's obviously not old, but I don't get ANY youth notes here. Meanwhile I get this aggressive and assertive whisky. Big peat big salt big finish. And nice sweet port notes. It's a touch hot. It's kinda simple. But that's to be expected. Seriously guys, this is a fun. I'm not sure what the price is. I got this as a 20 cl for 30 something...but if a full bottle is under 100 or at 100, I think this is a clear buy. 3.5 out of 5. Damn this is good.