Talisker Distillers Edition (1998 vs. 2006)

I’ve always thought the maritime Talisker character works best with a certain dryness. The sweet Amoroso sherry in the Distillers Edition rounds off its rugged character and smoothens it all out.

I tried the most recent 2016 release of Talisker Distillers Edition and decided to put it against an older sample of the Distillers Edition bottled in 2009.

 

 

Talisker 1998 ‘Distillers Edition’ (45,8%, OB 2009, Amoroso sherry finish, TD-S: 5LX)

Nose: a fairly warm start, with nice smoke and charred wood. There’s some dark chocolate in the background and thick raisins. Red apple. Trademark peppery notes. Hints of tobacco leaves and cherries, even some light heather honey.

Mouth: perhaps not as sweet and thick as expected. Oranges and pepper, with a slight bitter touch. All-spice. Heathery smoke. Leather and mint.

Finish: medium long, on Seville oranges, black tea and coastal notes. A bit of brown sugar sweetness in the very end.

This one has a nice nose, with lovely tobacco and cherry notes. On the palate it becomes more coastal and oaky. Good dram, especially on the nose. My favourite, but sold out.

Score: 87/100

 

 

Talisker 2006 ‘Distillers Edition’ (45,8%, OB 2016, Amoroso sherry finish, TD-S: 5SE)

Nose: similar, but with a slightly more acrid nose. Sour berries and more briney touches, perhaps more iodine too. It seems smokier, but then again it’s probably because the dark chocolate layer and the cherries are far less obvious. Overall a bit thinner, but not a very dramatic change.

Mouth: again a little acrid and fizzy. Menthol, a few metallic notes. Seaweed, berries, grapefruit and bitter oranges, with just a hint of carbolic soap. Black tea. Clove. Minty notes.

Finish: not too long, with citrusy smoke and pepper.

It seems this one is slightly thinner and more citrus-driven. The quality is very much on the same level though, it will come down to personal preferences. Around € 55.

Score: 86/100