Talisker Skye is the latest release from this distillery, which is effectively on the Isle of Skye. It’s the fourth (and supposedly youngest) No Age Statement release in under two years (after Talisker Storm, Talisker Dark Storm and Talisker Port Ruighe). Apparently it’s here to stay as a permanent extension of the core range.
Talisker Skye is matured in refill and toasted American oak casks, with that last type having the biggest proportion.
Talisker Skye (45,8%, OB 2015)
Nose: fairly sweet and youngish with pears, orange juice and a little apricot. This mixes with a soft, rounded smokiness and hints of toasted oak indeed. Vanilla. There’s brine as well, but the typical peppery notes are much less obvious. More nutmeg this time.
Mouth: much more spicy now (pepper, ginger) and smoky, but again balanced by a candied sweetness (baked apple, peach candy, berries). Hints of dark chocolate with a pinch of salt towards the end. Some tarry smoke growing stronger.
Finish: medium long, with the spicy warmth and smoke standing out, coming to a drier, ashy finale.
This is an uncommonly sweet and fruity Talisker. Young alright, but the toasted oak works out quite well. A nice entry-level whisky and the best NAS so far from Talisker. Around € 35.
Score: 83/100