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.