Talisker 175th Anniversary

Nose: extremely fresh at first nosing, on sea air and light toffee. No punch-in-you-face smells this time, but lots of smoothness and, dare I say, delicacy. The peat smoke is well here but it’s somewhat distant, while these coastal and ‘caramelly’ notes develop together. Then it gets also quite fruity, with some plum jam, quince jelly and very ripe apricots. Hints of apple skins, cider and even some white wine. Less peat and pepper, and more fruit seems to have been the motto when they composed this new Talisker that makes me think of the Caol Ila 18 yo OB.
 
Mouth: smooth, sweet and peppery (here we go) at the same time, with again these enjoyable citrusy notes (sugared lemon juice, tangerines…). Some peat but not too much, tea, herbal tea, a little liquorice and just hints of toffee, with also some passion fruit.

Medium long finish, very enjoyable and with no burn whatsoever. Very, very smooth and balanced but not lacking oomph, this one might be the feminine version of Talisker. Extremely quaffable just like that (warning, danger!) 90 points.

[These tasting notes have been reproduced from Serge's site Whiskyfun.com]

Appearance: Light gold

Body: Medium

Palate: An immediate sweet flash of coconut soon becomes medicinal, then starts to smoulder. The smoke ignites into flame then starts to dry. Water calms this down and out come the maritime notes, alongside the embers of a now-dead wood fire.

Finish: Becomes increasingly spicy approaching the big, maritime, robust and lingering finish. When dilute, increasingly subtle and liquorous, but the smoke still drives through towards the finish.