Talisker, 2023 Special Release
Whisky: Talisker, 2023 Special Release
Country/Region: Scotland/Islands
ABV: 59.7%
Cask: White, Tawny, and Ruby Port Finish
Age: NAS (Bottled 2023)
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.
Score: 4 (73)
Mental Image: Skittles Overboard!
Narrative & Notes: 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.
