Our third Talisker but the last one (Dark Storm) was over a year ago. This isn't a distillery that's impressed a ton so far but we did want to get through all of Diageo's ''Distiller's Edition'' series and this one was on sale so there you go!
Talisker Distiller's Edition: 45.8% ABV, no age statement, from the Isle of Skye, finished in Amoroso Sherry casks.
We sniff around:
Scott gets a subtle smooth smoke. Malty, oak, maple syrup.
Simon gets a lot of sherried notes in the background too. A distant relation to the Uigeadail, but it's not as BBQ-y.
Scott says its a smoker smoke, like smoked bacon type.
Sean says it smells sweet and savory.
Trevor gets roasted marshmallows.
Reminds Kyle of that smell the day after you go camping and you swim in the lake and sit by the fire. The crew agrees.
We like the nose on this one.
We cheers.
Real smoky.
Pretty copy paste from the nose. Scott says the wood comes through a bit more on the palate.
Kyle goes for chocolate covered strawberries. Simon counters with chocolate covered cranberries.
Simon gets a candied smoked bacon. Smoked maple bacon Scott adds.
Sean gets some salt. A malty note.
Kyle finds a peppermint note on the finish. Like you just had some Dentyne Ice or you just used mouthwash.
Reviews: Trevor starts us off. He likes that this has quite a bit going on. He really enjoys the flavors. He'd like to have it on his shelf. He goes 88. Kyle agrees, nice notes, his type of flavors. This would make a nice night cap, good subsitute for mouthwash. It's a little pricey but he would consider having it on his shelf. 86 for him. Sean is at 88. Agrees with Trevor completely, he would consider buying it even if its not on sale. Scott has not been impressed with Talisker so far. Both his reviews have been in the 60s. But this is different, he really likes this one. Not sure that he'd buy a bottle but definitely makes him more interested in Talisker. Lands on 86. Simon's our lowest bidder tonight at 83. This is really nice but he thinks it gets overshadowed by other similar options like Kilchoman Sanaig and Ardbeg Uigeadail. Averages out to 86.2.
Overall: We recommend you give this a shot. It's a sweet and easy drinking Talisker. The smoke is more subtle than its Islay counterparts and it has a coastal profile with some savory smoker notes. It all comes together nicely. The Uigeadail and the Kilchoman Sanaig did do a few points better though, so we think you should start there.
Cheers!
The S&P Crew.
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