Talisker 10--one of the cornerstones of Scotch whisky in my opinion. This was the first whisky that ever made me love peat. I'm not particularly here. I've had my fair share of this over the years and it's a wonder I haven't given it a proper review. Nose: Campfire smoke, sea salt, brine, seaweed, and peat. Honey and caramel. Vanilla and powdered sugar. Honeydew. Smoked pork and brisket. Black bean red pepper chili--a hallmark Talisker note. Some sulfur and ash, which is welcome in a whisky like this. Sun-dried tomato as well. Solid start. Palate: More of the black bean red pepper chili right off the bat, followed up by waves of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper. Campfire smoke, peat, seaweed, sea salt, and brine still hit heavy. Honey, toffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. Honeydew and grapefruit. Some hookah smoke and soft pretzel. Amazing taste. Finish: More of the sea salt seaweed, and briny notes, coupled with the campfire/hookah smoke combination. Dark chocolate, fudge, caramel, and toffee add some sweetness. Black bean red pepper chili and all the cinnamon and other baking spices you could ask for helping this ride to a long finish. This is one of my favorite whiskies of all-time. If I were presented with the horrendous prospect of being confined to one whisk(e)y for the rest of my life, this would be toward the top. It's remarkably well-balanced while being brash as anything you could ask for. If there was one honorary Islay distillery, that mantle is indisputably awarded to the jewel of the Isle of Skye. So how's the value? $57 for a bottle that easily competes if not exceeds the top Islay expressions ranging from $85-$130. You better believe value plays into my score. Which is 5/5 if you hadn't guess by now. Long live Talisker 10. Truly one of the great expressions out there.