Aside from being a huge fan of Talisker 10, I figured I had to own a bottle of the 2021 Special Release T8 if only for the most metal bottle art in existence. Talisker is undeniably a spirit of the unrelenting ocean but they doubled down with the sea fury art work. It doesn’t disappoint, the sea fury in all its leviathan glory tells you exactly what you are in for when you pour a dram of this. N: Powerful yet soft. Sitting in the glass there is a looming presence that holds your attention. Drawing in closer there is gentle sweetness from vanilla ice cream that melts away into juicy pear and a little ocean spray. Smoke is wafted along as a faint suggestion of a bonfire far down the beach. I have no notion of the almost 60% ABV held within. As I sip this briny oysters and white wine aromas come out. Incredible. P: This lulls you in, initially salted and vegetal with delicate honey and stone fruit you feel safe and somewhat underwhelmed before a wave of pepper and brine and light smoke torrent to the front of the pallet and drag you into the depths. The Sea Fury has indeed taken hold and wants to see how you measure up. What depths there are. If you regain composure under the crashing waves; candied bacon, baking chocolate, and an earthy mineral quality are there to be found. This is a liquid crafted from the elements, there is no doubt of that. F: Here is a long finish that changes from chilli and pepper into soft bonfire smoke, toffee and maltiness as the tempest’s fury is calmed ready for the next approach. Comparing to the T10 the nose is similar but gentler, refined and initially calmer. I think though that may sound less appealing to those who love T10 but there is a captivating element here that holds the attention as if something dark and foreboding lingers under a darkening ocean. The Sea Fury lies in wait. The palette is remarkable, layered and complex with new notes emerging that elevate the spirit to a new level of both intensity and nuance. This was expertly crafted. The crispness is as enjoyable as stepping onto a thick blanket of freshly laid snow. Crunch. The cleanliness of delivery, masterful. The power is that of the ocean. At just shy of 60% this beast can take some water, everything becomes lighter, brighter but without any sense of diminishment. Coming from the shores of, what was ~60 million years ago a violent and massive volcanic eruption, the basaltic lavas that comprise much of central and northern Skye, and indeed the ground upon which Talisker sits, are a constant reminder of the violence and aggression of nature; just like the ocean that flows into the Loch and laps the coast. This special release is the embodiment of natures fury but tempered by expert craftspeople into something that is tameable, approachable, and fundamentally enjoyable. Distiller whisky taste #74