Whisky: Talisker 13 Year (1989), Distiller's Edition 2002

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 45.8%

Cask: Amoroso Sherry Finish

Age: 13 Years (Distilled 1989, Bottled 2002)

Nose: Maritime with salty, citrusy fruits, driftwood, lazy grill smoke, and more subtle grilled shellfish and medicinal herbs.

Palate: Medium to light-bodied, maritime, soft black pepper, citrus, beach bonfire, grilled shellfish and burning grass; with water, more caramel and roasty sweetness.

Finish: Long with sweet char and a touch of bitterness through brine, burnt grass, and driftwood.

Score: 7 (82)

Mental Image: Shoreside Grill and Tiki Bar

Narrative & Notes: Salted fruits and driftwood blew in while enjoying a tropical citrus margarita and grilled shellfish.  The aroma was pleasantly maritime and mellow, with wood, citrus, and grill smoke carrying hints of tar and camphor. Medium to light-bodied, the flavor profile was maritime, with more of the classic Talisker pepper developing throughout and tingling at the end. Grilled shellfish and citrusy cocktails were still present, with more burned grass and an old beach bonfire coming to the front. Water brought out some salted caramel and toasty sweet treacle. The finish was long as sweet char, and bitterness danced through maritime brine, burnt grass, and driftwood.

I received this whisky as a take-home sample during a 1989-themed tasting; there were so many whiskies that the tasting was split into two evenings, with about half the drams bottled to be taken home each time. However, not everyone wanted to wait, and a good friend saw fit to pour all of his take-home samples during the event. When he got to this one, he announced it was his favorite of the evening.

Of course I wondered, despite his protestations, if he might just be a bit drunk— this was the best? I still don’t quite agree, but I understand why he liked this. The aroma and palate were not complex, but they were well-structured, with a natural progression between layers of flavors. While the mouthfeel was a touch thinner than I prefer, the flavors popped and never felt washed out, even after adding a few drops of water.

Overall, I would rank this in the top quarter of all the pours during the two-part event and one of my favorite Talisker as of late. I still tend to rate Talisker lower than most, though, so your mileage may vary, especially if you count yourself a fan of the distillery.

Image Credit: AMSHOP.de