Style: Bright and complex
Nose:
Delicate stewed tropical fruits sprinkled with supple white pepper spices. Briny peat, a delicate, continuous copper undertone which is nicely protected by an emphatic layer of honey wax. Zippy lemon and orange drop shaping up beautifully, a touch of sour blackberry, sparkling vanilla sugar granules at the back.
Palate:
Delicious orange bitters leading the line, herbal liquor, black liquorice, polished brass and dignified oak marching on the wings. Ultra-cooked tropical fruits thoroughly dusted with white pepper. Naval oranges, lemon candy, sweetness beautifully honed, all layers intertwined and braiding up a complex spiral string of expression… Finish with vanilla sugar and dry barley notes.
Finish:
A soft and deeper tone on finish. Chocolate, peppermint mist, dry barley and earthy, maritime peat.
Thoughts:
A modern-legend bottling, and rightly so. Perfect illustration of how a spirit can be magnificently sculptured by time, alongside with great blending skills. Radiating sweetness, elements of Talisker entwined and delivered with perfect balance, near-endless complexities, my favourite Talisker I have tried so far, no doubt. Not a perfect whisky (which I am starting to question if it exists), but it is a small step above some of the best whiskies I had, a step ahead enough for me to give my first 3 stars whisky. Most recommended.
☆☆☆ [Most Recommended]
[54.6% • 1977 Distilled • 2012 Bottled • Original Bottling • Limited Release • 865 of 3090 Bottles • Non Chill Filtered • Matured in refill American and European oak casks • ***]
-Esmond
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