Talisker 10

Picture: The Whisky Exchange

Talisker is the (for now) only distillery on the Isle of Skye and went into production in 1830.  In 1925 it became part of Distillers Company, the current Diageo.

The distillery was destroyed by fire in the sixties and has been rebuilt completely. The five stills were copied identically in an attempt to preserve the Talisker flavours.

The core range consists of a 10 years old, an 18 years old expression, a 57° North with an ABV of 57%, a NAS Storm and a duty-free exclusive Dark Storm. In 2013 Diageo released a Triple Matured and an exclusive 27-year-old 1985 Talisker.

Identity Card Talisker 10

• Official bottling from Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye (Islands)
• 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky
• Alcohol: 45.8% ABV
• Classic Malts of Scotland

Storm bashing a stained pier

Tasting notes

Colour: the ten-year-old Talisker has the colour of antique copper pans that were recently cleaned and polished. The whisky's texture is oily. After swirling, tears slowly slide down.

Nose: The first nose is distinctly smoky. Smoked halibut and charcoal grilled salmon. Black pepper out of the mortar. After a while, it sweetens a bit. Bassett's liquorice candy and Dutch drops. Once in a while, I'm noticing some wood-stain.

Taste: The smoky rock & roll continues. Fish oil, grounded pepper and fleur de sel. It evolves towards something sour and briny. And again liquorice and drops.

When nipping some water between two sips of whisky, you'll enhance the flavours of this Talisker.

Finish: Quite short. Especially the pepper lingers with a hint of honey.

Conclusion: This Talisker is probably the prototype of an island whisky. Distinct smokiness and typical flavour associations like brine, liquorice, smoked fish and wood-stain.

It's not a bad whisky, far from it. But it's not "my cup of tea". I'll enjoy it for one dram, and one dram only. But as always, judge for yourself. Do not let anyone else judge for you.
Talisker 10 is part of the Classic Malt series from Diageo. He is widely marketed and can be found in supermarkets for € 35.