Talisker has famously been the only distillery on the island of Skye until very recently. The distillery is owned by drinks giant Diageo and is one of their leading single malt brands. Skye lays off the rugged north west Highland coast of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1830 at a remote location on the island and it is still tricky to get to today. That doesn’t stop people getting there though and Talisker is one of the most visited distilleries in Scotland.
Some of the whisky produced goes towards Diageo’s famous Johnnie Walker blended whisky range but most is released as single malts. Talisker’s core range consists on unaged expressions, Skye and Storm, as well as an 18 years old aged expression alongside this 10 years old. Talisker also releases annual bottles of Distiller’s Edition and is a frequent inclusion in Diageo’s Special Releases range. Independent bottlings are rare and when they are released the bottlers are not allowed to name it Talisker under a ‘gentleman’s agreement’. Two of the most popular independent bottlings are called ‘Tactical Director’s’ and ‘Isle of Skye’.
Our Tasting Notes
Talisker has a mid level of smokiness (22ppm) and this comes through on the nose. The peatiness is there but it has a fiery and spicy edge to it. There is also a hint of dried fruit, a citrusy tang and a whiff of salty sea air. On the palate, this instantly explodes in your mouth with a mixture of that fiery spicy smoke (think of black peppercorns), caramel and sweet malted barley. It feels full bodied and that hint of saltiness from the nose is present also. The finish is long with a perfect mix of peaty smoke and peppery spiciness (those black peppercorns again).
What’s The Verdict?
Talisker is considered a classic whisky and rightfully so. The pepperiness, like a red pepper, gives it a unique quality and flavour among Scottish whiskies. It is readily available in supermarkets and independent shops alike, and can cost anywhere between £50-55 a bottle. A whisky that just has to be tried.
