Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
91.6 Proof
Price Point: $45 – $55 for 750 ML
Distiller: Talisker Distillery
Background
As you may recall, in one of my first reviews, I mentioned my first experience with Scotch whisky. I was in my parents’ basement and my dad was exposing me to various Scotches, starting with the Highlands and Speysides and working our way to the Maritime varieties. Ardbeg was the finale, but before that, I had to overcome Talisker. To my untrained palate, Talisker was no walk in the park – further evidence that whiskey is an acquired taste that transforms negative flavors into positive ones.
Review
Talisker is the only whisky distilled on the Isle of Skye, an island West of the Highlands region of Scotland and well far North of Islay. However, Talisker embodies a lot of the peat and smoke of Islay whiskies despite its geographic differences. It’s a bit more refined, and even has a slight hint of sherry on the nose.
In the mouth, there’s a touch of peat, but not overwhelming like Ardbeg or Laphroaig. There’s also the familiar malty taste of a Speyside whisky and the ease of drinking of a Highland. Talisker is a wonderful blend of the best qualities of Scotland’s whiskies.
I really like the finish. A little smoke, a little oak, and a little bit of tingling on the back end. Very nice.
Rating & Recommendations
Since my first exposure to Scotch, my taste buds have adapted, and I appreciate good whiskey at long last. Talisker 10 Year Old is easily one of my favorites, which is why I rate it 90 out of 100.
I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but drink this stuff neat!
I don’t give out a whole lot of 90 ratings or above, so clearly Talisker is right up there for me. If you think you have similar tastes to mine, go out and get yourself a bottle.
-Ryan
3 comments
5 pings
I was introduced to Talisker by my brother Pat while sitting in the back room of a flat in Aberystwyth Wales. A beautiful seaside college town on the Irish Sea. We were listening to his latest musical compositions he made while teaching a class at the University. Sorry your introduction had to be in my basement!
We don’t always agree, but here we sure do! Talisker is great. It’s unusual in that it’s a little tame for true peat-freaks, yet it’s too much for people who don’t like peat. I guess you and I are the in-betweeners who just love Talisker 😉 I’ve got a birthday next month and I’m probably going to use that as an excuse to buy myself a bottle of this! (yes, I’m back on the wagon drinking scotch, if you’re curious)
Author
Yes, we are absolutely on the same wave-length with Talisker!
-Ryan
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