LouisianaLonghorn
Talisker 18 Year
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed
November 1, 2019 (edited July 22, 2022)
Bought this about a month ago. Popped the cork but didn’t pour any and just let it breathe. Finally had a pour tonight, but only after letting it rest in the glass for about 20 minutes.
A good buddy came over tonight and we had this as our highlight malt of the evening. We started with Glenkinchie 12, then some Talisker 10, moved on to this, then finished with some Tamdhu Batch Strength 002. All fine pours but this was the obvious and clear highlight.
This has everything we love about Talisker. The pepper, peat, and brine are all there, but the extra eight years in the barrel has mellowed it out quite a bit. Additionally, there’s an amazing butterscotch note that comes through on the nose and palate along with the faintest whisp of coffee. While the finish isnt quite as long as the ten year old, it’s brilliant while it is there. That Talisker warming sensation with the added buttercream.
This is a special pour, and clearly only for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, weddings, etc. Not your everyday sipper, but a fine pour when it comes around. Well worth the investment for any Talisker fan. Cheers!
162.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@SpartaTodd I can tell you from having tried most of the GOT lot that the only decent ones were the Lag and the Talisker, and the only one I finished was the Talisker. Gave the rest to friends. Some folks liked the CS Clynelish bit I just don’t care for their profile. I can still find the GOT Talisker locally. Thinking about picking up another...because Talisker.
@WhiskeyLonghorn I tried the storm at the Talisker distillery in June. It was good and I enjoyed it. Great value at $28-36 i see locally. I just got the cask strength 57 degrees but have not tried it yet. I don’t see any point in trying the GoT whisky. It all seems overpriced although the Talisker and Lagavulin are supposed to be the best of the lot. The bottles and containers are cool though.
@SpartaTodd agreed that it stands apart from the 10 or DE (which are both fantastic too!). Have you tried any of the other Talisker expressions that you’d recommend? I’ve heard middling things about the Storm and I killed a bottle of the GOT Select Reserve a month or two ago.
@Scott_E thanks! Certainly the highlight of my bottles (for now ;)
I tried this and totally agree. The age in the cask has helped. Less smoky and more oaky and spicy. It's much more subtle than the 10 or DE but righteous in its own way.
@WhiskeyLonghorn for me, this is in a subselect list of favorites. Instantly loved this when I first tasted. Reasonable pricing as well (for now). Sip, enjoy. Best served for special friends and/or special occasions. Nice review!
@SolanaRoots do it before the new tariffs kick in. This one was pricey for sure but it’s good to have a “special” bottle in my collection now. I intend to stretch this one out for years. I can go through a bottle of Talisker 10 in a month or less...
Solid review. This bottle and the Caol Ila 18 Yr are high on my wish list. You might’ve nudged me closer to acquiring a bottle