Talisker 175th Anniversary

Photo provided by The Whisky Exchange

Buy at The Drink Shop

Buy at Systembolaget

To commemorate Talisker distillery’s 175th anniversary in 2005 a special, limited edition expression of the Skye single malt was issued by Diageo. Talisker 175 carries no age statement and consists of a release of 60,000 bottles worldwide. It is largely the work of Diageo’s Maureen Robinson, who says that some of the oldest component malts date back to the mid 1970s, while the youngest are at least ten years old. This release of the Classic Malt is a complex vatting of Talisker casks of various ages, many over 20.

Colour: gold. 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.

Tasting note by Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun