Talisker 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (Diageo Special Releases 2021)

Talisker 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (Diageo Special Releases 2021)

Teskar 8 Years 2021 Limited Single Malt Whisky Original

 

Alcohol concentration: 59.7%

Origin: Scotland

Capacity: 700ml

 

product description

While we can regret the loss of the annual Caol Ila Highland bottling in the special edition, we can't complain that it was replaced by the 8-year-old Talisker. This is the third release as part of a special release, and they all showcase different aspects of Skye Distillery's pretzel, smoky and marine styles.

Maturity is very simply described here as "heavy peat refilling". I had the pleasure of speaking with ambassador Ewan Gunn before delving into the range, as this is not a whisky that has been matured in the same casks that once held a lot of peated whisky, as this would suggest. Instead, Craig Wilson and the bartending team picked up a pack of Talisker casks and tested the phenol levels in the mature spirits, choosing only those with the highest readings—the casks with the most smoke—with on this release. Amulet with dial smoky flavor? Count me in.

Nose: Rich, salty smoke puffs out of the glass: beach bonfires and butter cookies. Earthy notes of mineral and gravel contrast with orchard fruit purees; a sea breeze of fresh salt and pepper swirls rich earthy peat smog. Flavours of barley sugar and fruit jelly emerge, coupled with moist green ferns.

Palate: A burst of sweetness with rich smoke, liquorice and anise. Chocolate, spice and moist earth form, and the chocolate notes become creamy as salted caramel and leafy green notes develop.

Finish: Sea breeze and beach bonfire, like the beginning of the nose - full circle. Sweet applesauce and light waves linger.