Contrary to widespread rumours a while ago, Talisker 10 Year Old hasn’t been discontinued. Earlier this year it was given a makeover with a label that is cut in the shape of the Isle of Skye.
At the same time they had to remove the claim that Talisker was the only distillery on Skye (after the opening of Torabhaig). They now say it is the oldest distillery on Skye.
Talisker 10 yo (45,8%, OB +/- 2022)
Nose: the typical spicy / coastal attack, with plenty of seaweed, brine and pepper. Perhaps a little more caramel sweetness in the background than in the old days. Hints of yellow apples, toasted almonds and vanilla. A lot of boat rope and ashes complete this nice nose.
Mouth: still quite ashy with lots of trademark black peppercorns. Again an apple sweetness with some lemons and milk chocolate behind it. Sharper mineral notes and a subtle herbal edge come out. Dried seaweed. Briny smoke with some anise and chilli.
Finish: quite long, saline, with iodine, pepper and a lemony tension.
The label changed but not the profile. Perhaps a little sweeter and peatier than I remembered (I’m talking six years ago), but Talisker 10 Year Old is still a benchmark for maritime character in whisky. As a serious whisky lover it’s not always easy to find something interesting in a random bar or restaurant, but this is one of these tasty drams you can rely on. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt, and pretty much any other whisky shop.