All the same notes as Talisker 10, except that the peat and brine is less pronounced, a clear orange note emerges, and the "chili catch" on the end has been polished to a shine. This is well executed - but why don't I like it more? The fact is that this doesn't quite blow me away (and it was quite expensive and hard to obtain). I've enjoyed other 18 year olds more, for example the divisive Bowmore 18 which was so much more assertive and flavorful. I might even go so far as to admit (somewhat shamefully based on the hate that it receives) that I enjoyed the Johnnie Walker 18 more, as it was better integrated, with richer flavors like dates, even at a pitiful 40% ABV. By comparison to some of these other 18s, this Talisker is a bit thin, even at a higher alcohol content, with brittle high notes of salt and citrus instead of richer flavors. And I guess I'm just enjoying richer flavors more right now.