Review #33 Talisker 10yr: Scotch

Score: 9.2 / 10

Distillery: Talisker

Type: Isle of Skye Single Malt

The Isle of Skye has had a lot of distillery fatalities, but Talisker and Torabhaig have prevailed. Talisker, the older of the two at around 200 years old. So if you are new to scotch, definitely don't overlook these guys. In fact, I would start with this exact whisky because it has so many varied characteristics. A light peat ( about 1/4 of Laphroaig 10yr measured in ppm), but also very fruity and sweet, similar to a Highland Scotch. So if you'll either love this expression, or it will point you in the right direction for your Scotch quest.

Also it's "Made by the Sea", really does taste salty like sea water, and makes me personally feel like a pirate. Especially the Storm version bottle. It creates a feeling that I'm navigating a ship in the middle of a whipping storm and loving every bit of it. I'm not even lying, as soon as I finish working on these reviews I am going to have a pour of this tonight. I flippin' love this stuff.

Whisky Review:

Nose: Sea salt, peat / smoke, vanilla, green apple, peach, orange, honey

Palate: Starting smoky and quickly turning to fruits. Charred oak, burnt sugar, peach, green apple, salty sea water

Finish: medium - long, sugar cookie dough, leather, rubber, peat and smokiness

Score: 9.2

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common. Most places that carry the brand will have the Storm, 10yr and either Distiller's Edition or Dark Storm.

This is truly one of my favorite scotches. It's reasonably priced and so dynamic. Sort of just has a bit of everything and in the perfect amounts. I think it is a very well bodied and executed expression from Talisker. And.............. I like their other stuff too :) Reviews coming!