Dreaming-of-Islay
Talisker 18 Year
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed
September 5, 2017 (edited October 19, 2018)
I loved the 10 so was hoping this would blow me away. It didn't quite do that, but it's a lovely dram nonetheless. The nose is somewhat generic for a scotch, and I wouldn't be able to pick it out as a Talisker. There's some chalky gravel and a light touch of smoke to the nose, but the more enduring notes are malt, orange, and apple (not much different than a lot of Highland scotches). In the background, I detect some jasmine. Talisker's signature note is pepper, and it remains prominent even after all those years of development in the barrel. The fruit transforms into sweet plum, and this scotch has an oily, waxy mouthfeel that's quite unique. Then there is a huge, musky floral note that hits right at the swallow. After a slight letdown on the nose, this scotch makes a strong comeback here. Talisker 18 ends with stronger notes of smoke and salt than are present in its flavor profile, although those flavors are still counterbalanced by more floral notes (so in this respect I agree with the Distiller notes). The smoke that emerges on the finish is reminiscent of an older Islay scotch like Laphroaig 18, where it has mellowed out into a toasty, leathery scent rather than being acrid and sharp. There's a cool, interesting, hoppy end, which resembles an IPA. The finish is the best part of this scotch because it lingers with some mild but noticeable features for a long time, and yet it never grows unpleasant, overly bitter, or too drying.
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Yeah after reading your review I suspect my experience would be similar. I had a similar experience with the Laph 18. I love a good peaty punch in the face and time is not kind to peat and smoke flavours. Personally the older the better for first fill sherried whiskies...peated ones peak for me around 10 -12 although laga 16 is the exception. I don't understand how it retains the peat when a 15 year Laphroaig is a shadow of its younger brother
I loved this as well. It's Talisker 10 all grown up. Everything lasts longer, giving you the time to pick out the individual notes easier. I just popped open a Laphroaig 18, so I might do a side-by-side this winter, although the Laphroaig is going be a lot more leathery and austere I suspect.
One of the best ever. I'll post a review when I get around to opening my spare bottle.
OK - tasted a couple of drams tonight from the open and well oxidised bottle I have. Heavenly. If you have a bottle of this and also a Springbank 10, 12 or 13 year old green available pour a dram of each. There are some amazing similarities in the nose. The Talsiker has a much smokier and more peppery palate, however. Still a top shelf whisky for me.
I thought the nose developed a bit over time, but maybe it was just me. I have a bottle of this that has been opened with only about 20% consumed for nearly a year - I must try it and report on any changes. Absolutely agree about the finish, it's sublime. Good review.
@Generously_Paul - that's a good point, it's the downside of only reviewing off a sample. When I have a bottle I can get a better appreciation of a scotch over time, a lot of scotches appreciate with a second taste (and a lot drop in my estimation).
Personally, I loved this one. The first time I tried it I knew I didn't have the refined palate to appreciate it fully. I came back to it several months later and found that it was truly a work of art. I'm going to have to pop that cork again soon now that I'm thinking about it