Talisker 10 Year Old

Talisker distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye and was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, sons of the local doctor. It was rebuilt between 1880 and 1887, and was extended in 1900. In 1925 the distillery was acquired by the Distillers Company Ltd and today is part of Diageo. In 1972 the stills were converted to steam heating and the maltings floor was demolished. Talisker distillery is famous for its stills’ swan neck lye pipes: A loop in the pipes takes the vapour from the stills to the worm tubs, so that some of the alcohol condenses before it even reaches the cooler; it then runs back into the stills and is distilled again. The 10 year-old expression has been part of the Talisker core range since 1988.

The nose is both wild and light, an interesting combination between salty elements and a citrus sweetness. Very good! Salt and pepper are followed by wet grass, a touch of plastic, and distinct smoke. I also detected seaweed – no doubt we are close to the sea here.

The palate is medium-bodied and unexpectedly fruity. Oranges and lemons are followed by black pepper and a spicy kick right at the end.

The finish is of medium length, warming and quite mouth watering. There is again salt and just a touch of smoke.

I loved the nose for its great balance between salty, peppery elements and citrus sweetness. The most interesting feature of the palate was the spicy kick at the end, otherwise I was not too impressed. The finish, however, was an absolutely lovely experience. In Switzerland Talisker 10yo goes for about 38 Euros, which is extremely good value for money.

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