Talisker has become a mainstay of the Diageo Special Releases, present almost every year.
While we detected a certain tendency towards heavily charred, heavily sweetened or heavily peated expressions in recent years, this year’s release goes in the opposite direction. The 2022 edition comes from lightly peated stocks matured in standard ex-bourbon barrels.
Talisker 11 yo ‘The Lustrous Creature of the Depths’ (55,1%, OB Special Releases 2022, first fill bourbon casks)
Nose: refreshingly classic, I’d say. Indeed slightly less peated than usual. Seashore bonfire, with light iodine and maritime peat smoke. Also lemon peels, fresh mint and aniseed. Tarte tain. Then some gristy notes and hints of roasted coffee beans after a while. A light whiff of furniture polish too. Ultimately I’m getting a certain beefy / herbal note which works well.
Mouth: oily and smooth. A sweet and fruity side (apples and apricots alongside pickled lemons) mixing nicely with soft smoke. A lighter style but I love the balance. More active (charred) oak comes along after a while, with a hint of coffee and the classic warming peppery note. Then some camphor and brine towards the end.
Finish: long and peppery, with a salty toffee note and bright citrus.
Lightly peated but still more than enough if you ask me. Simply an excellent Talisker showing off its natural beauty, without too much make-up. Perhaps close to the classic 10 Year Old but we don’t mind having that at a higher ABV. Possibly the best pick this year, yet it’s still widely available.
Check your local retailer, malts.com or have a look at The Whisky Exchange for instance. This Talisker also exists in 20 cl bottles, which I think is a great idea.