All Talisker expressions now have new packaging designs, predominantly blue with pictures of crashing waves and rocky shores. The latest Distillers Edition 2001/2012 also comes in the new disguise.
In the tradition of the Distillers Editions, it is more or less the standard Talisker 10 Year Old but finished in sherry casks, Amoroso type in this case. That’s not really a kind of sherry on its own, it’s an oloroso with added sweetness, usually from blending in sweet Pedro Ximénez. Not as cloyingly sweet as a Cream sherry or an actual PX though.
Talisker 2001 ‘Distillers Edition’
(45,8%, OB 2012, Amoroso sherry finish)
Talisker 2001 ‘Distillers Edition’Nose: crisp, balanced and relatively fruity. Sets off on coastal aromas and lots of oranges. Hints of yellow plums and raisins. Tobacco leaves. Trademark pepper but in a mild way.
Mouth: very nice, now the peat smoke comes out more. Earthy notes, pepper again, balanced by a vague toffee / fruit sweetness in the background. Fades on heather and mint.
Finish: long, spicy with hints of pepper, dried fruits and herbs.
Very mild and fruity on the nose, only on the palate does the volcanic character of Talisker come out. A well balanced whisky, better than the standard 10 in my opinion. Prices tend to go from € 45 to around € 65.
Score: 87/100