Talisker
2022 Distillers Edition
- 45.8
- 70cl
- Taste: 4
- Islands
Talisker Distillery, nestled on the Isle of Skye, was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskil, sons of the local doctor. They established the distillery in the village of Carbost, choosing a location that provided access to local peat, pure water from nearby springs, and proximity to the sea. The MacAskill brothers faced numerous challenges in the early days, including the remote location, which made transportation and distribution difficult....
Read more
Read more
Talisker Distillery, nestled on the Isle of Skye, was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskil, sons of the local doctor. They established the distillery in the village of Carbost, choosing a location that provided access to local peat, pure water from nearby springs, and proximity to the sea. The MacAskill brothers faced numerous challenges in the early days, including the remote location, which made transportation and distribution difficult.
Throughout the 19th century, Talisker changed hands, with notable improvements under owners like Roderick Kemp and Alexander Allen, who invested in improving the distillery’s equipment and processes. Distillers Company Limited (DCL) acquired Talisker in 1925, and DCL later became part of Diageo. Under DCL's ownership, Talisker benefited from greater financial stability and expanded distribution.
Since 1997, the Distillers Editions have been an annual release of limited quantities. This excellent Talisker has been firstly matured in Refill American and European Oak casks. With the second maturation finished in Amoroso seasoned heavily re-charred American Oak ends.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Rich amber. Fine beading. Good viscosity.
Body - Full.
Nose - A pungent nose with clean ozone-fresh sea-air and beach seaweed. Backed by richer, smokier notes, sweet malt and sultana sweetness from the cask; gloriously well combined and harmonious.
Palate - An oily-smooth texture, the taste at once smoky and briny yet sweet with rich fruit too, quickly growing more peppery, as woody spiciness takes a clear interest. Luxurious suggestions of roasted fig and sweet date are firmly backed throughout by peat smoke and sea-salt, and there’s a smoothness to the chili ‘catch’ as it goes down.
Finish - Long, powerful and while still sweet, now drying too, with lingering peat smoke and cocoa nibs.
Throughout the 19th century, Talisker changed hands, with notable improvements under owners like Roderick Kemp and Alexander Allen, who invested in improving the distillery’s equipment and processes. Distillers Company Limited (DCL) acquired Talisker in 1925, and DCL later became part of Diageo. Under DCL's ownership, Talisker benefited from greater financial stability and expanded distribution.
Since 1997, the Distillers Editions have been an annual release of limited quantities. This excellent Talisker has been firstly matured in Refill American and European Oak casks. With the second maturation finished in Amoroso seasoned heavily re-charred American Oak ends.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Rich amber. Fine beading. Good viscosity.
Body - Full.
Nose - A pungent nose with clean ozone-fresh sea-air and beach seaweed. Backed by richer, smokier notes, sweet malt and sultana sweetness from the cask; gloriously well combined and harmonious.
Palate - An oily-smooth texture, the taste at once smoky and briny yet sweet with rich fruit too, quickly growing more peppery, as woody spiciness takes a clear interest. Luxurious suggestions of roasted fig and sweet date are firmly backed throughout by peat smoke and sea-salt, and there’s a smoothness to the chili ‘catch’ as it goes down.
Finish - Long, powerful and while still sweet, now drying too, with lingering peat smoke and cocoa nibs.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig