Review by: Raygun

Don’t know a whole lot about this. Other than it’s from Talisker, obviously. Not the Distiller’s Edition, not a distillery exclusive cask, but a fairly sizable vatting, 7500 bottles. Hard to go wrong with Talisker (except Skye—ugh), so happy to have a chance to try this. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes. 

Distillery: Talisker

Bottler: Talisker

Region/style: Islands single malt Scotch

ABV: 48%. 

Age: NAS

Cask type: Ex-bourbon and refill American oak casks.

Color: 0.5 yellow gold. Non-chill-filtered.

---

Nose: The peat is punchier than I usually find in Talisker. Malt, caramel, and some varnish. There’s a peculiar vegetal note that reminds me of mezcal. Popcorn.   

Palate: Sweeter than the nose suggested. Caramel and some orange zest, maybe a bit of lemon. Vanilla panna cotta. Grilled corn. A salty, meaty flavor, like teriyaki. The peat is prominent, with a definite smoky/grilled flavor. It’s a bit thin.   

Finish: Roasted green beans. Toasted walnuts. A little orange still, but not so much vanilla. Toasted cereal with some caramel. Good level of sweetness with some umami as well. It’s a little spirity.  

---

Conclusion: Not a bad Talisker, though not my favorite either. I expected a bit more from a distillery exclusive, I suppose. This definitely comes across as young. Nice caramel and I like the toasted/roasted flavors. Talisker is quality stuff. As a whole package, it’s pretty good but not special. I’d certainly take the 18 or the 15 special release from a few years ago over this one.   

Buy a bottle? Unlikely 

Final Score: 77

---

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)