Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Talisker.
Bottler: Distillery.
Region: Scotland/Island Single Malt.
ABV: 59.7%. Cask Strength.
Age: N/A. Bottled in 2023.
Cask type: White, Tawny, and Ruby Port Finish.
Nose: Smoke, salt, and bubblegum; sweet coastal vibrations with salty air, minerals, and wispy smoke from distant docks or bonfires; fruit candies popped with banana, bubblegum, and green apple.
Palate: Medium-bodied, coastal, and peppery—classic Talisker— with a heady dose of fruity candies washing in on the tide; as the fruits receded, salt and pepper stuck around with a kiss of smoke and white pepper.
Finish: Medium to short with pepper, brine, and a kiss of slightly artificial fruity candies.
Mental Image: Skittles Overboard!.
Conclusion: One of the weakest whiskies I have poured lately. I hate to be a hater, but I did not care for this at all. The fruits were akin to artificial fruit-flavored candies— the kind that labels themselves “Froot” to avoid the implication that they might contain real fruit flavors or essence. The spirit maintained a lot of the peppery quality for which Talisker is well-known, which I will say I found impressive considering the heavy casking, but the pepper was almost unpleasant as the more youthful spirit joined it to produce a bit of funky white pepper and heat.
Overall, a disappointment. Considering the strength of prior Talisker Special Releases, I had high hopes for this one. I imagine this would make for a good mixer, but that is not how you want to use a bottle like this.
Final Score: 73.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 