ABV 45.8%
Not for Talisker purists, but a highly distinctive interplay of whisky and sherry.
Michael Jackson
Talisker
Brand
1986, The Distiller's Edition
Expression
Single Malt
Type
No age statement
Age (Years)
45.8%
ABV
Islands (Non Islay)
Region/Country
Standard (Distillery or blended)
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: Toffee, bitter chocolate and toasted nuts, with late salt and pepper.
Palate: Toffeeish, then toasty. The distracting richness of these flavours introduces a shock of contrast when the seaweed and pepper suddenly burst through.
Finish: Powerful salt and pepper.
Comment: Not for Talisker purists, but a highly distinctive interplay of whisky and sherry.
Score: 7.5
Taster
Nose: A much sweeter aroma than the standard 10 Years Old, with the peat playing a much more liberated role with less spiciness. Soft sherry with a suet/sultana pudding heaviness to the malt.
Palate: Big, rumbling peat, first crisp and hard, then much, much softer. Again the mouthwatering grape keeps the spiciness to a minimum.
Finish: Peat and cocoa combine and the sweet/dry ratio remains in perfect balance throughout. Really big malt, this time free of the peat with the vanilla topping it all off.
Comment: Wonderful whisky: a rare case where sherry cask doesn't spoil but merely offers a variation on a theme. No peat-lover should miss this one. But don't expect the usual explosiveness.
Score: 7.5
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