Talisker 10 Year Old

So here goes another attempt at writing a review with my tablet. It's painful! Speaking of pain, I had a gammy toe recently that became infected, trench foot my better half called it, and have just finished a course of penicillin. So, for once, i'm drug free and have no heartburn...yeah! The toe is still gammy though, i'm afraid but on the mend.

What better way to celebrate then than with a pour of Talisker? The bottle has been open a few months now and is about half full. Review is neat.

Nose - forgive more flannel but it really feels like a cuddle from a big, burly brute. Sweet, salty, tangy and reminiscent of small fishing ports. There's some big toffee, a nose tickling waft of white pepper, oily rags and a mere hint of something fruity.

Taste - sweet and fruity arrival that becomes more sour. Toffee looms into focus along with some beautifully tangy, twiggy peat and then black pepper starts to dominate. Decent mouth-feel if a little on the thinner side, which is a tad disappointing.

Finish - med to long. This is all about the black pepper but there are some mildly astringent tannins and a residue of the toffee that came before.

Worth noting that this was a touch more enjoyable when first opened but air has kind of flattened off some of the sharper edges that make this malt what it is. Either way, this is a classic for a reason and it still gives me an elemental delight every time I pour a glass. A wonderful alternative to big Islay malts and I have to say that the overall profile is very much to my liking.

Mark would be 1-2 points higher when first opened.

I have always loved Talisker. It was one of my first loves within the world of whisky and always had at least one of their expressions in my cabinet. In recent years though, I have experienced a bit of quality control issues. The bottle before this one (purchased about 6 months ago on special) was the worst bottle of Talisker 10 that I have ever experienced. It was watery, lacked much sweetness, tasted mostly of off-putting medicinal seaweed, and was also missing the famous Talisker pepper punch. After that, I swore it off, along with all Diageo products (I have had the same experience with Lagavulin 16) until recently most of the Diageo products, in my area, across the board have seen significant price reductions which roped me right back in. Damn you, Diageo! Anyhow, this bottle is a MUCH better experience than the last one and falls more in line with what I typically expect from Talisker 10.

Nose: Sweet and salty with a touch of iodine. Caramel apples, vanilla, honey, Juicy Fruit gum, seaweed, a touch of soot

Taste: Sweet maritime peatiness. Immediately comes the salty/caramel/fruitiness, the what follows is a huge tidal wave of even more salt, earthy peat, ash, and a smacking of black pepper (some would say chili) that is unique to Talisker.

Finish: The aforementioned tidal wave of bigtime salt, black pepper blast, and earthy peat hangs on tight but fades into an astringent, bitter finish.

This bottle is a winner. The last bottle would have been scored significantly lower. I find it strange for all the chill-filtration and e150 that Diageo has put into their whisky for a consistent aesthetic experience, they tend to lack the consistency where it actually matters; the taste. Let's hope, in the future, the duds are few and far between and that they are more in-line with this bottle. With that said, I commend them for reducing their prices on the core ranges. Even if it is them flexing their muscles trying to gain more market share and/or inducing a pricing war, it will ultimately benefit us consumers.

Nose

Black sea salt and a bonfire note not unlike the dying embers of a log fire. Green algae accompanies a gentle touch of cinnamon and almost out of place I detect ripe, fresh pear

Palate Black pepper dominates. Burnt out bonfires and sea brine wander through a cacophany of sweet corn notes. The palate is not as sweet or smokey as I would have expected. It’s complex and full of strange flavour profiles.

Finish Medium - Salty sour finish with a punch of toasted malt and a weird lingering of the memory of potatoes baking on a fire... caramelising starch may be the best way to describe this.

Talisker 10 is a wonderful mid range scotch. In my opinion it is unbeatable at its price range for complexity. It just has so many ‘I can’t quite grasp that’ flavour profiles. It wouldnt feature in my top ten ... not in my top tive for this price range... but it is remarkable, and something I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the complexity of whisk(e)y.

Slaintè

Boy do I enjoy this stuff - it's one of the bottles I always make sure is on my shelf. This one is the 2015 bottling which I popped about 3 months ago, now that I've given it enough time to mellow and breathe and try a few drams, I think it's time for a review. Nose: Clean, coastal, faint fruitiness (on the citric side - lemon? orangish), some pepperiness, for some reason I'm having a hard time picking up any smoke - older versions had smoke that was a fair bit more obvious; overall I love it because it reminds me of one of my favorite vacations out on Vancouver Island - sitting at the seaside, watching the waves crash up against the canadian shores, observing sea lions jump on and off the large rocks in the middle of waters.

Palate: wow this is big. vanilla - now there's the smokiness, notes of white pepper (I cook with this stuff very liberally because I love it - they must have made this whisky just for me... or at least I'd like to think so), sea water, lemon - kind of ardbeg 10ish type of lemon. hints of ginger.

Finish - I suck at describing finishes. It's like the palate but it lasts a satisfying amount of time, tends to be drying.

OK, tried this one because my special other is really mad about it. He kept going about how Talisker 10 was the best scotch he ever had, better than Talisker Skye or any other Talisker. So finally we bought him one bottle.

I poured us some glasses... and then I understood what he meant.

Nose: delicate iodine with a hint of smole. Brine ? Taste: pepper first, then citrus notes and suddenly boom... light peat. Very round and well balanced. A nice sequence! Finish: Lingering pepper, malt sweetness.

This Talisker is spot on from the very first sip. Well done!

This is a preview of a review going up on my blog next Wednesday. Please feel free to comment with your constructive criticism

I'm loath to admit I have never owned a bottle of Talisker until about two weeks ago. I've read mixed reviews, and I was worried about dropping $100 CAD on a bottle. Luckily, a good friend visited La belle province (i.e. Québec) a few weeks ago and got me a bottle for $67 CAD. This was a much safer gamble. I often wonder if people are critical of Diageo-owned distilleries simply because many equate "big corporation" with "bad". I don't really want to get into politics here, mostly because I'm still new to the inner workings of the whisky world and I don't feel it's my place.

Anyhow....

• Nose (undiluted): brine, smoke, bonfire by the sea, dried leaves (tobacco?), mineral water, damp peat, pepper, this is one of the most inviting and unique noses I've encountered. I could spend hours simply nosing this whisky.

• Palate (undiluted): medium to full-bodied and rich, white pepper, sea salt, smoke, vegetal yet subtly sweet peat drying fairly quickly, ginger notes

• Finish: medium-long, warming, peppery (though more like black pepper on the finish), more subtle ginger, subtle hints of ripe pear, lingering. When I drink this Talisker, I don't want it to end.

Adding a bit of still water (1/2 teaspoon or approx. 2.5 ml) brings out much more smoke on the nose and accentuates the seaweed and dried tobacco aromas. This is sublime. The white pepper is really thrust forward on the palate, developing to a nice, dry, vegetal peat with that ginger still hanging around, albeit further back. This bottle of Talisker is great with or without water.

The family are all out, so I sat down to watch an episode of Black Sails - a series set in the age of pirates. As I nursed my glass of Talisker 10 I could smell the tared ropes on the ships in the sun, I could taste the salt on my lips... Enough of the dramatics. I have a soft spot for Talisker 10 - so for my first ever review, here are some of my thoughts and impressions: This bottle has been open for nearly 6 months and is about half way through.

Nose: It is old but new, there is a certain fustiness that I love. Old leather and dust, old books maybe?. But also a certain sharpness and freshness, some sort of summer fruit, apple. It has a richness and depth too, there is a dark sweetness like treacle, and some dried fruits - figs. There is something nutty too, walnut I'll say. Of course, this is backed up with a certain mineral type smoke - it makes me think of a cold campfire made from driftwood on the beach - wisps of cold smoke - it makes me think of when I sweep out the chimney - slightly acrid. I'm still mystified how it can smell of the sea, the seaweed (some would say iodine) isn't overpowering but gives it some strength of backbone.

Palate: first touch on the tip of the tongue brings a delightful sweetness, I've read orange - I suppose so. As it rolls back over the tongue it immediately turns sour (in a good way) - I think it goes with the saltiness. Then, spreading towards the sides the pepper or chili heat hits and lingers. The tingle is not alcohol burn, it really is like chili pepper.Then the fustiness from the nose returns - leather, pipe tobacco, dark and semi-sweet. There is something savoury about it - I read people describing smoked meats in reviews - maybe it's something like that? It's vegetal, it has a certain earthiness to it that I love - it feels connected to the elements somehow.

Finish: The warmth from the pepper/chili lingers. I really enjoy the combo of leather, salt, and peat that remain for what seems like a long time. There's that earthiness again with the cold smoke. It turns slightly sour as the finish dissipates.

In 2014 we relocated our family (my wife and 2 kids) from New Zealand to the South East of England. It was a family adventure to experience life in another part of the world - but due to unforseen circumstances, we returned home 18 months later. Unfortunately, on a single (teachers) income, we weren't able to make the most of the proximity of the UK for travel. We did, however, organise some house sitting in the UK via a website. One house we were going to look after was in Dornee, right by Eilean Donan Castle, the gateway to the Isle of Skye. Sadly, the owners plans changed and we weren't required. I missed my one and only chance to visit the Talisker distillery and the Isle of Skye. So, to take me there, I immerse myself in a glass of tasilker and smell the rugged, rocky Scottish coastline.

Got a couple bottles of this because the guys on here really spoke well of it. Bottle has been open about a week so its aired out a bit. Enjoying it as I write.

Nose: Bonfire smoke and salt are the two biggies here. Followed by some orange zest, grape, and hay. Good nose, lots going on.

Palate: Not as diverse as the nose, but still good. Smoke and saltwater again, followed by spice, citrus, grape, figs, some sort of red fruit whose name escapes me, and lastly oak. Smokey transitions to sweet, but not too much sweetness. Great balance of flavors.

Finish: Begins a little smokey but that vanishes quickly, then long and sweet with ripe orange followed by an oaky spice. Lingers for a while. I'm taking long breaks between sips and the finish is still there when I start my next sip. Again, well balanced between smoke, sweet, and spice.

body: Drinkable, and I don't feel like I have to drink the whole bottle at once because, thank goodness, Talisker bottle this at 45.8% instead of 40%.

Overall: What impresses me most about this scotch is the value and the variety of flavors. I picked this up for 185rmb per bottle, so divide by 6.8, USD $27. I recently bought Macallan 12 sherry oak for 365rmb, and it's not even as well made as this is. So impressed at how well balanced this is and how much value is here. And again, kudos to Talisker for the 45.8%. This is a well balanced, drinkable, great value whisky right here. I'll get this again at this price all day. Absolutely. The scotch gods are truly smiling down upon Talisker for this one.

Not quite sure about Talisker before tasted it. Some say it's classic, others say it's over-hyped. Since it's my first date with Talisker, I picked the 3 pack gift set(3x20cl), which is definitely worth trying, with reasonable price I can get the taste of three signature Talisker whiskies, including 10 yo, Distillers Edition and 57 North.

This is a 20cl bottle which has been opened for 6 months.

Nose: Fruity and smoky. Orange candy, citrus blossom, red chili and sea salt. Some peat and smoke in the back ground.

Palate: Full body, oily texture. Lime juice, pineapple, black pepper, peat and brine.

Finish: Slightly bitter. Espresso, barely, smoke and wood ash.

Balance: A good balance between fruit, spice, smoke and peat. Each of them is not overwhelming and finely organized, maybe somewhere between Springbank 10 yo and Laphroaig 10 yo?

Overall: A very good 10 year old, tastes older than the age statement. A bit of everything but still has a strong character, just can't mistake its famous black pepper notes.

I've tasted and drunk a lot of Talisker over the years, including a lot of Talisker 10 yo. The first 8 or 9 times I tasted Talisker 10 yo it might as well have been 8 or 9 different whiskies I was tasting, how different they were from one another. I did a previous review of Talisker 10 yo from my first full bottle of it, which, I would say, was the greatest outlier of all of the Talisker 10s I have tasted. That bottle tasted of absolutely nothing except salt and pepper, UNTIL the bottle was opened for 7 months, at which point honey blossomed and for the very first time I understood why other people liked Talisker 10 yo. I am reviewing this sample, compliments of @Jonathan in 2014, because now, after all of these years of drinking Talisker 10, 18, 25, DE, and 57 Degrees North, I have a sample of Talisker 10 which I believe is what so many other people assume all Talisker 10 tastes like, because they have been lucky enough to get bottles from good batches only

Nose: deep, rich, and broad delicious malt with plenty of peat, smoke, and pepper brine perfectly integrated with the faintest trace of honey-style sweetness. Fabulous. Score: 24.5/25

Taste: lovely peaty briny mouthful, a very good translation from the nose. There isn't much sweet balance here, but there is enough. Very nice. Score: 22.5/25

Finish: long strong finish which just slowly fades down. Delicious. Score: 22/25

Balance: very good balance in all sequential tasting stages. Score: 22/25

Water added: 1) brought out sweetness and malt in the nose, and 2) bundled the flavours in the mouth

Total Sequential Score: 91 points

Strength: very strong. Score: 24/25

Quality: all of the flavours are of very high quality. Score: 23.5/25

Variety: lots of contrast and variety. Score: 22.5/25

Harmony: very good harmony in all phases. Score: 22.5/25

Total Non-Sequential Score: 92.5 points

Comment: this particular bottle of Talisker 10 yo is in the same excellent league with Talisker 57 Degrees North, which is my go-to Talisker. When people rave about Talisker 10 I now assume that they have been drinking from bottles like this one, and not from the other 8 or 9 I have sampled previously to having tried this sample. It took me about 10 tries to get one like this one

I know that's a bold title to write about a malt which has been letting some of its fans down recently. However, not being a big Talisker drinker, I still must say that I've enjoyed this one a lot. Why the summary of whisky flavors? Read on!

NOSE: fresh and very complex. A hint of soap, pickle juice, salty sea water, pepper, peat and a remote note of smoke. All these savory notes, however, do not lead the nose of this whisky, they only complement the big fruit component which is really what stands out a lot here. Peaches and cream, apples, vanilla, citrus. The nose is so fresh, it reminds me of certain white wines. What I love about this nose is that everything is here. Want fruits? You'll get them here. Want some peat and smoke notes? There are also here. Want some marine salty character? Here you go. So, that's why I think it is a wonderful nose. 24/25

TASTE: warming, sweet toffee, big fruit again. Lovely oily mouthfeel. Almost like olive oil. This big oily fruit arrival is then balanced by a whole lot of pepper, a hint of smoke and salt. 22/25

FINISH: wood tannins, dessert-like finish, pepper, slightly mineral and creamy with a touch of peat. Relatively short finish 21/25

Balance: All the flavors are nicely balanced together. But I wish the finish was longer. 22/25

OVERALL IMPRESSION: I just love the fact that I get a very complex nose which has a little bit of everything in it, except for sherry. And the mouthfeel of this one is superb.

Nose: Very sweet, perfume, nose. Sweet barley intertwined with phenols and smoke is the main note. After sitting for a few minutes, it opens up to tangerine peels as well as licorice. Simple, pleasant, enjoyable, fresh, and intense. You wouldn't think this is a peated whisky by the nose. In a blind tasting, it might pass for something else.

Taste: Sweet barely, warm wood, smokey, and peppery peat. Here you can really appreciate the peat. The peat and barley intermingle beautifully to a smokey, sweet, full bodied palate. It has an oily consistency and nice weight.

Finish: Smokey and phenolic. It reminds me of elmer's glue mostly. Yes I was one of those kids....

Talisker 10 is decent and enjoyable. At times it's very sweet, and at others, very peaty and smokey. The palate is definitely the best dimension of this whisky. The nose is nice but uneventful, and the finish is rather unpleasant, unless you like glue. It's not boring by any means, it's just an acquired taste. If you like elements of both Islay and Speyside you'll enjoy this one.

Nose: smoke, brine, see air. Palate: very dry, extremely peppery, salty, coastal. Finish: medium long, peppery and salty. Ballance isn't perfect in this nervous Talisker, but it's still good whisky.

This is a scotch's scotch. It's masculine and refined, like a well groomed beard... Alright, all chauvinism aside, this scotch is a jack-of-all-trades; a special hybrid of various styles of single malt.

Snifter, splash of water

Nose-22: smokey sugary tangerine, oak, suede

Palate-22: mahogany, molasses, raisins, smoke, sweet-peat, shortbread, maple

Finish-21: First wave is a burning rush of smoke, with a hint of lemon. A slight pause... Then comes through a second wave of warmth with a hint of seaweed.

Balance-21: Rugged swings from smoke and leather, to stone, to seaweed, with some sweet characteristics in between each which ties it all together.

As an additional note, this is my go to (if available) when ordering a scotch for someone who does not typically drink much scotch... It provides exciting transitions and flavors, but is politely inoffensive.

as i write this review i am sipping on the 6th glass talisker in the past 2 weeks. the more time i spend with the whisky the more i realise how perfect the balance of honey and pepper is, and how well they work together to compliment the smoky, salty ocean aromas that make talisker unique. at such a young age this whisky has remarkable complexity and a sublime arrival. one pleasing thing i found about talisker 10 is that there is almost no alcohol burn at all and the phenolic nose is easily subdued with the addition of a few drops of water and a few minutes in a covered glass.

on the nose it is; salty, smoky ocean air almost like a beach bonfire with damp wood. hints of peat and smoked oysters, water helps it open up to reveal a thick sweetness that perfectly fuses with the oceanic tang. there is a thick honey aroma that slowly reveals itself over time and gets stronger as the smoke subsides.

the initial taste is sweet honey and flower pollen,it is quite warming and makes a perfect winter dram. this sweetness subtlety evolves into a creamy, peppery, light spice with a strong salty brine smoky flavour. the balance between these flavours is magnificent and the development is quite amazing. for such a young whisky i find the maturity to be outstanding - and although the youngness can be detected on the nose and in the finish, it hardly takes away from the overall experience.

the finish is long and drawn out and is reminiscent of the initial nose - salty, brine, smoked oysters and peat. there is a very slight phenolic, alcoholic taste but if anything it adds to the character of the whisky and like most islay's (yes i know its not actually an islay) it bennefits from a slight immaturity, at least in my opinion it helps add a bit of extra flare.

the body of this whisky is slightly oily at first but the finish leaves the mouth dry almost the way sea water does.

some minnor bad points about this drink are that there is e150 caramel added and it is chill filtered and at least for my taste i find the fishy? brine nose to be a little off putting but i can in no way subtract any point for that because the balance of honey more than compensates.

as a side note, i think this whisky (although bottled at 45.8%) benefits from only a small amount of water, less than 4 drops and definitely opens up well in a covered glass. i am personally very pleased with my first encounter with talisker and definitely recommend trying the 10 yr old.

Nose: Smoky, sea breeze, minty, and a hint of sweetness. Combined together it conjures a moment of having an aromatherapy massage by the beach!

Palate: Didn't expect the fruity white wine flavors.

Finish: The flavors you smelled comes back. First sweet oak, then the smoke, and finally the salty flavor.

This is a great whisky to enjoy to cap your night. Its something I would want to drink when alone at home listening to music. I wouldn't want to drink too much of this since the flavors is too overwhelming for me if drank in large quantities. Hence not to drink when your with your buddies.

Background: First experience with Talisker 10.

Poured into a Glencarin, took a quick sip, then let sit for 10 minutes prior to nosing/tasting.

Setting: Just came back from dinner and sitting on my couch watching the football game.

Nose: Floral bouquets at the entrance of a beach with a salty ocean air breeze blowing my way. Left over Banana Bread from the night before.

Taste: Sweet sugar, Hot, Black Pepper spice, Iodine, Peat, and Brine. I can taste the Bourbon cask influence on the whisky.

Finish: Dry and slight peat warming finish. Lingering taste of a small oak wood beach fire which was smothered by seaweed a couples hours ago.

Conclusion: Clynelish 14 meets Caol Ila 12. Very good nose, salty/sweet/peppery taste with a decent cask maturation. I do feel however it is hot, maybe the bottle I have but for what I paid it needs to be rounded out more. I'm thinking they might need better casks or I need to ante up for the 18yr! Either way an enjoyable whisky. A winter warming dram.

Final Score: 87

Talisker 10yo is very dry, it can hold your throat with oily body. With the character of pepper spicy, it has an individual flavor. The phenolic is stronger than peated, but not finish long when I wake up in the morning. ( i always put the glass near my bed on the table that I can smell the finish of spirits in second day).

Not quite my first love when it comes to malt whisky, but a close second. The first bottle of this I bought was olive green and came in box tattooed with a map of Scotland centred on where else the Isle of Skye. I was very impressed, but also impressionable.

This bottle is much more recent purchase in plainer packaging, but that apart I’ve not noticed much change or deterioration in the quality of this malt over the years. The nose is rich with pine and peat smoke, with hints of seaweed and toasted almonds throw in. On the palate there is plenty of body to deliver the peppery attack characteristic of this distillery. The peppery attack is offset by a complex array of softer flavours including sweet malt, almonds and dark chocolate. The sweetness fades through the finish which is long with pepper and the smoke slowly returning.

Never leaves one cold.

It smells of smoke, peat, brine, and the same velvety quality of Black Label.

For taste, there is an explosion of sweetness and flavor in the mouth, with no bitterness, and a lingering finish.

On further nosing, the brininess intensifies. Pear-peach-grape are also in there; it lends itself to deep nosing, lacking the pinch of alcohol. Exceptionally smooth. Smoke is prominent. Also something green, like grass, seaweed, or evergreen trees.

Tasting again, there is very pleasant honey-molasses followed by a slowly unraveling wood-cellulose quality, also very pleasant.

Ultimately, it possesses a sweetness which is very difficult to describe, and this is combined with a manageable wood-smokiness like that of Highland Park 12, only here there is also the Speyside-like fruitiness.

Nose again: a hint of iodine - the first dram in which I ever found the brine-seaweed-iodine or "coastal" quality. An extremely interesting drop, full of spice, smoke, fruit, sea-spray, and baked sweets. Exceptionally smooth and partakable, friendly and complex.

Tasted January 2013.

Ah, Talisker, the single malt that started it all for me a few years ago, and it still holds a special place in my heart for that reason.

Nose - peat smoke and saltiness, smoked kippers, lemon juice, leather and wood shavings, some oak and vanilla notes.

Palate - Pleasing initial sweetness, followed by a rolling flow of peat smoke over the tongue, salt spray and seaweed, some sharp citrus notes and warming peppery kick.

Finish - Maintains the pepper and smoke with a long, warming finish, with some bitter oak notes remaining.

Still a favourite of mine, even if there are other whiskies that objectively I prefer. The rolling smoke and salt-and-pepper flavours are what make it distinctive for me.

Talisker is the (for now) only distillery on the isle of Skye and went into production in 1830. In 1925 it became part of Distillers Company, the current Diageo.

The distillery was destroyed by fire in the sixties and has been rebuild completely. The five stills were copied indentically in an attempt to preserve the Talisker flavours.

The core range consists of a 10 years old, an 18 years old expression, a 57° North with an ABV of 57%, a NAS Storm and a duty free exclusive Dark Storm. In 2013 Diageo released a Triple Matured and an exclusive 27 year old 1985 Talisker.

Tasting notes

Color: the ten year old Talisker has the colour of antique copper pans that were recently cleaned and polished. The whisky's texture is oily. After swirling, tears slowly slide down.

Nose: The first nose is distinctly smoky. Smoked halibut and charcoal grilled salmon. Black pepper out of the mortar. After a while it sweetens a bit. Bassett's liquorice candy and Dutch drops. Once in a while I'm noticing some wood-stain.

Taste: The smoky rock & roll continues. Fish oil, grounded pepper and fleur de sel. It evolves towards something sour and briny. And again liquorice and drops.

When nipping some water between two sips of whisky, you'll enhance the flavours of this Talisker.

Finish: Quite short. Especially the pepper lingers with a hint of honey.

Conclusion: This Talisker is probably the prototype of an island whisky. Distinct smokiness and typical flavour associations like brine, liquorice, smoked fish and wood-stain.

It's not a bad whisky, far from it. But it's not "my cup of tea". I'll enjoy it for one dram, and one dram only. But as always, judge for yourself. Do not let anyone else judge for you. Talisker 10 is part of the Classic Malt series from Diageo. He is widely marketed and can be found in supermarkets for € 35.

This whisky is from the coastal classic malt box that I purchased to explore some single malts. After opening I reqlly disliked it but now, after a few weeks, it starts to attract me more and more !

Nose : peat , dark sweet notes, pepper ( esp.if no water is added. ) , floral but the wild kind of flowers, not the subtle ones. Seasalt, sea-air, Rocks on a beach that are stil wet , ... I really Like this nose !

Taste : soft, very well delivered peat. After the introduction there are the more sweater notes : green Apple, fresh fruits, cucumber ( not sure how to spell it ) grain sugars, .. But it's the soft peat that makes this a great whisky

Finish : Pepper, Sharp nut nog as bitter as most younger whiskys, fresh fruitjuice with some Lemon in it

I really like to start my evenings with this one, it's an excellent whisky for its price and a great one for beginners.

My mouth was full of the cloud from the smoke of a Skye fireside.

Golden orange Tons of sea salt and charcoal on the nose. Peat obviosly. Cedar chips. Tart finish. Very woody like tannic and a touch of celery. More charcoal.

Hot spicy arrival develops a complex fruit, peat, smoke balanced middle and a long slow steady peated vegetable finish.

I remember when I first opened my Talisker 10 a few months back. I hadn’t planned on buying it, but it was on sale for about $34 so I grabbed it on a whim. I was quite excited to try it, then quite disappointed after doing so. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. It was nice, but seemingly nothing to write home about. BUT… there was something special; something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I was still a bit on the fence about it. Later that night, @Victor suggested that I give it time, and that my relationship with this stuff needed time to develop. Good advice; time worked wonders. Not just time for the whisky to open up and oxidize, but also time for me to figure out just what that special quality was. Well, flash forward several months and you’ll find an enthusiastic new member of the Tally 10 fan club. Here are my notes:

Nose: Minerals, limestone, damp autumn leaves, earth, moss, peat, lilac, cloves, chives, and musk. The sweetness here is of very good quality, and I’m in love with the wisps of burnt honey that marry beautifully with the mineral notes. Where other peated whiskies sometimes have smoky, industrial, medicinal notes; this takes peat in the opposite direction. Very natural, mineral-rich, earthy notes seem to dominate this nose.

Palate: Medium/light mouthfeel. I’m first struck with the beautiful juxtaposition of sweet and sour. The peat rolls in very gradually, bringing the aforementioned earth and limestone with it. Caramelized onion, salt, lemon tart, and big lilac. Black pepper builds up and carries us calmly into the finish.

Finish: Before I fry a steak, I’ll often caramelized mushrooms and onions in soy sauce for added flavour. Such is the flavour I’m getting here. There’s also sweet peat, earth, charcoal, lilac, distant vanilla, lemon tart, and that mineral-rich seared honey taste that I can’t quite define. It is medium-long and absolutely stunning, with a lingering metallic flavour.

A very odd mixture of the geologic and the floral characterize this dram. It’s the most mineraly whisky I’ve ever had. Since when is limestone a tasting note? Anyway, I’ve fallen in love with the Tally 10. It’s a one-of-a-kind to be sure. With all its earthy peat, there’s actually very little smoke. Also, there’s a striking and distinctive quality to the sweetness here. It’s hard to define, but an unlikely combination of lilac, minerals, and honey is as close as I can get to explaining it. The point is that this is a special, special dram. If you don’t like it at first, give it time. It will pay off beautifully.

I am not normally a peaty whisky fan, but I have to admit that this whisky is beautiful. Cheap too somehow. The smoke is dominant but not idiotic like Dettol - I mean Laphroaig. It's well balanced. Peppery, paprika too maybe. I normally complain about whiskys above 40%, I think it's just a marketing gimick. And don't get me wrong this one is a little high too but it wears it better than most.

(It is ridiculous that the work whisky is constantly underlined as being a spelling mistake for missing the letter e on a site whose very name is missing that letter!)

I am not normally a peaty whisky fan, but I have to admit that this whisky is beautiful. Cheap too somehow. The smoke is dominant but not idiotic like Dettol - I mean Laphroaig. It's well balanced. Peppery, paprika too maybe. I normally complain about whiskys above 40%, I think it's just a marketing gimick. And don't get me wrong this one is a little high too but it wears it better than most.

(It is ridiculous that the work whisky is constantly underlined as being a spelling mistake for missing the letter e on a site whose very name is missing that letter!)

A classic malt from a big time distillery. The Talisker 10 bottled very specifically at 45.8% is i think somewhat of a legendary dram (maybe im a bit Diageo-ed). This is a well peated young whisky which is available almost everywhere

• Nose: pepper, chili, some phenols more subtle earthy peat, some toffee, noses pretty young, quite beefy spirit. With water more prominent and more abrasive peat, more of the seaside, little bit briny, rock salt, windswept coasts, the toffee has lifted as well, overall more pungent and abrasive.

• Pallet: rich sweet arrival, then pepper and chili, peat is a little more prominent on the pallet than the nose, quite briny as well, pepper really develops. With water spicier arrival, chili is back, sweetness still dominates initially, then peat, pepper, mocha and aggressive citrus.

• Finish: mocha, some smoke, briny note kind of hangs around, mellows out and goes a tiny bit sweet, then the earthiness returns. With water doesn’t take much water, toffee comes back, then some mild smoke and dark chocolate builds up, good length.

• Mark neat – 8.4, with water – 8.6

This is a very warming dram thats for sure, would be great on a cool wet night. It must be said though i was expecting more, i have one Michael Jackson's malt whisky companions where Talisker is described as "volcanic" and this malt in particular, "huge". I just dont get that. Its still a very good whisky but its not what i thought it would be.

NOSE: smokey, smoked fish, soft and fruity (pears, apples) with freshly ground pepper.

TASTE: rich, sweet and sour, peat, deliciously fruity,spicy and peppery.

FINISH: cacao, vanilla, a bit smoky, peppery again.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: smoky notes are not really that dominant on the nose. Primarily you get much more of fruits and pepper. I did get some vomit smell on the nose, though, which is not something I'd like to notice in my whisky on a regular basis. Thanks to this rather peculiar alcohol volume of 45,8...you get a full-bodied, rich, spicy, marvelous fruity, smoky taste which is, in my opinion, probably the main reason why you should bother to try this single malt.

This was one of the first ones that I sampled at the bar when I first began my single malt quest. My first impressions rated it as a 69 and "downright repusive". I heard that it was an aquired taste and I did not believe that at all. Then after ourchasing three heavily peated bottles and a few smoky ones, I gave Talisker 10 another try at the bar, but right after a glass of Bowmore 15. Voila! I no longer hated this one, but I still would not buy a bottle because it is just too swwet for my tastes. I do like the smoky flavor, though. So, try and give any extreme tasting ones another chance some time later, and your opinion may change. However, in the case of Laphroaig 10, my opinion went from bad to worse the second time around.

Sorry for the title couldn't hold myself. It is hard to review this whisky but i think, as a fan of the Talisker taste, it would be a test to see how honest i could be with my own personal opinion on how well this whisky holds up, independently from my feelings towards it, but also from my tastebuds. As feelings, in whisky, are a matter of taste.

This then is an early 2012 bottling so it's fairly recent, just for the record i score personally the 2006-11 Talisker 10 a solid 93 out of a 100, how much i love it!

Nose: Damp & Pungent Smoke emerges from the glas with peppery vivid (although not quite as vivid as before) from the glass. It stays on course for awhile then sea salt, seaweed & seashores.

Taste: Big Smoke arrives on a warm chariot supported by iodine white & black peppers. The peppers go into a chilli metamorphosis and the feast warms up further. Along comes the peat, even more pungent than on the nose brings with it the iodine and marine qualities.

The pungent marine peatiness holds on with an encore of the sea air/breezes and seaweed this time on a bed of barley sugar and toffee.

Finish: The barley sugar carries the damp/moist peat to the finishing line in a fairly long finish, although not as long as i remember it, less eventful and less... distinct.

The Talisker 10 is still a stable Classic Malt advocate but it has unfortunately lost it's sting over the years. Probably due to the fact that although Diageo know what they are doing when it comes to blends, i think they are still stuck in a with the excellent single malts that they have ( and they have plenty).

Problem is that some brands under Diageo seem to suffer from very sterile and particularely strong chill-filtration, as well as caramel.

As so many have said, including our famous vloger Ralfy, it is fine to chill-filter and caramelize blends or mixing spirits, it's not the same type of spirit and aimed at a different audience entirely. But that also holds for single malts and the whisky enthusiasts who appreciates it like us here on this site. So it's not in anyone's interest to put shackles on an otherwise so competent malt (which the unhinged 57 north testifies well to).

If you want to attract posh people that buy the whisky to show off more than collect/save it or just appreciate it and taste it, then you will always have premium blends for that. Single malts are for people who appreciate it, not necessarily knows everything about them (beware whisky-snobs), but you have to respect it and hone it. That's the purpose of single malts, their different animals for different customers.

Amen!

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.

I do a lot of research before buying a bottle, especially one that costs $80 like Talisker 10. I expected the peat/salt notes that are typical of the Island style and mentioned in so many reviews here and elsewhere. Instead I got an extremely plain ho-hum whiskey. Even the bottle of Bushmills Black I had going at the same time was superior.

Nose/palate where almost identical: soft malt followed by custard and some red fruits. Seems like it might have spent some time in a sherry cask. Too bad it ends there.

Laddie 10 is a better whisky for the style at $16 less. I don't think I'll be buying any Diageo malts again. I've been disappointed by them all except Lagavulin, but it's too expensive for me to purchase again. It's too bad, I really wanted to like Talisker.

I had a good idea of what to expect here- an Islay-esque explosion of peat, smoke, salty surf, spice, and a beautiful, long finish. Turns out I was pretty spot-on! It really reminded me of the raw sea surf found in the Bunnahabain 12, mixed with a bit of Ardbeg 10 earthiness and the stinging pungent smoke taste of the Highland Park 12. It was delicious! It almost had a sort of "mischievous" taste to it, as if it was saying, "ohhh, you like me? Nobody else up here in Skye- why don't you come visit?" Good scotch for pirates or other maritime adventurers. The taste didn't stand out to me as much as Laphroaig or Bunnahabhain, but I look forward to trying other Talisker bottles.

Talisker 10 year old is a rugged whisky from the Isle of Skye. I think it's generally very liked and even I noticed that it is versatile. But some ingredients in the taste and aromas pulled me away from it. It's hard to explain, what were the exact tasting notes that didn't fit into my palate. Maybe it was a taste of olives, which I read from another review in here (I really hate olives and it somehow fits in the taste I felt). I'm not completely sure what it was but something stingy and stale rocked my boat in a bad way. One of my friends call Talisker 10's taste "dusty" but I don't agree with that.

For me Talisker 10 year old is like the movie Heat. Very much appreciated and with an allstar cast but something leaves me cold. People (especially men) always seem surprised when I tell them, I didn't like Heat. Even though it had the great Al Pacino, my alltime favorite actor.

The worst part of my tasting and movie experience are that I can't explain thoroughly, why I didn't like Talisker 10 or Heat. Both are classics of their kind. And they both have lots of character. In fact, Talisker 10 had probably the richest aftertaste I've tasted. I just didn't like it that much.

So in a conclusion: Spicy and characteristic Talisker is easy to fall in love with. It gives you Heat. It just wasn't my 'cup of tea'

Nose: Salty peat stays in the background while the liquor with spicy notes takes over. This has a seafood feel, like stuffy oysters. And maybe the olives?

Taste: A mix of sweet and spicy notes. Peppers with dry syrup and ginger. Something ruined the taste for me and I guess I have to blame olives until a better explanation comes along.

Finish: Peppers explode in your throat. Warming barley with lots of sweet spots as well. If you keep on chewing, you'll find lots of different flavors in the aftertaste. My senses aren't that sophisticated that I could thoroughly spot 'em for you. Take notice of my 22 points in finish even though I didn't like the taste. That's how lasting and complex it was.

Balance: Complex and versatile, especially the finish is rich and very long. For people who love spicy whisky (but not for me). Finish and balance were the best parts for me.

Nose: You want to take your time with this nose, and savor every moment. The aromas range from the sea salt and peat smoke (not heavy like an Islay though) to a spicy dagger of cinnamon and spice. Tucked inside the cocoon of spicy light smoke are pear notes and sweet fruits.

Palate: Spice, much more aggressive that on the nose. Subtle sweet smoke mixed with sea spray. The apples and pears are back again and balanced with the peppery spice. The Island notes are here too, with a briny undertone. Nice body, almost like a slightly diluted syrup.

Finish: Very warming…and a spicy tingle waves goodbye after a lengthy finish.

Conclusion:

Being the coastal flavor loving peat-head that I am, I truly enjoy Talisker 10. Although it should be noted that this whisky is not exactly an introductory dram for a newbie. It has some new and bold flavors that would be enjoyed by a slightly more experienced drinker that is at the stage where they are desiring something new. This is a dram for a cold day filled with precipitation…truly one worth getting acquainted with. An intrepid classic that will have a spot on my shelf for years to come.

As one of the 6 classic single malts much is said of Talisker 10 year old. I purchased this as part of my ongoing education. This has been in my cabinet for a while before writing this review.

Upon pouring you get a smokey yet sweet nose with a promise of fruity spice.

On the palate you get an intense wave of smoke. There is a saltyness which is followed by smokey honeyed pears. Then a peppery bite. The finish is fairly long and the smoke stays with you.

Overall very pleasant but it is missing something which I can't define. This is a classic but unfortunately not a great.

After several store I have a brand to try Talisker. First taste was anespectic 100%.I am on my thrid night of opening the bottle , pouring in a inch, letting it breath. It not too bad. I burnt my nose hairs off on the first try. But I am trying.

Priceworth and perfect in cold days

This is a bottle I've been waiting for a long time to buy and add to my cabinet: I've enjoyed the whisky many times at my favourite whisky bar, but I've always gotten sidetracked with other malts when visiting the liquor store... so, finally, here it is, a dram from a personal bottle.

Appearance: Light caramel. Probably some E150 is in this.

Nose: Rigt after the pour, I detect a dry smoke along with some peat and a lot of teaser notes: chocolate, grain, cigarette ash, pepper. The smoke is not medicinal like many Islays: it is like the subtle smokyness from clothes worn to a bonfire in the next morning. This is a robust and substantial whisky alright, but in the good sense. Very lively.

Palate: Leathery, a bit of iodine and salt, firm. The smokyness is almost absent now, replaced by very bitter chocolate, earth, seaweed and dry malt. Mineral and ever-changing on the tongue, it coats the entire mouth. This is a whisky I don't want to let go: it is lively and almost animal like.

Finish: Long, very long with a lot of spice at first. You get the earth in the palate and now you get what grows in and on the earth: fruit a bit of wood tannins.

This is not a whisky for people who have a sweet tooth or who are in a hurry. This is a whisky to savour and nurse, which might be why I very often opted to get a dram of this when available in bars, to finish the night off. I feel this whisky will become a mainstay in my cabinet in the future.

A NOTE ON MY SCORING: 60-: Will try to turn it down for a beer or cocktail if offered for free. 61-70: Would not buy, decent enough. 71-80: Will buy a dram and enjoy, maybe not a bottle though. We enter in the decent to good category. 81-90: Very enjoyable. A must try if not a must have. 91+: Would be a must have, but rarity/price is probably an obstacle to this. Reserved for excellent bottles.

Decided to crack this bottle open on a snowy winter night and it did not disappoint.

Light caramel in color, likely caramel coloring added. Looks lovely in the bottle and in a glass however.

The nose on this whisky is stunning. Like its Islay cousins the peat and smoke is apparent immediately. However it's a distinctly different kind of peat. It's mellow, and more of a smoke then a peat blast. Like burning newspaper while starting a fire in a fireplace. Additionally herbal, toffee and brine notes are easily identified as well as charcoal and a slightly menthol note.

Taste is earthy, smoky and spicy. Starts fairly savory, meaty, salty and then develops a nice sweetness toward the finish. Almost a licorice note in there as well.

Overall a very unique flavor and nose. Highly enjoyable on cold nights when you need a warm up. Would give it a higher rating however I have to deduct some points for color added and chill-filtration.

undescribable - huge smoke and roasted sweet barley, woody plank, salt and the ocean takes your soul on a journey. the best malt ever in my opinion.

Before I start off, I'd like to point out that it's quite a hard job to do write this review as objective as possible. This is because Talisker 10 year old is the first single malt Scotch whisky that really pulled me into whiskies. Before, I could enjoy a whisky, or whiskey. I didn't really know anything about it nor would I really care. But then, when friends gave me this bottle and I tasted. A world opened, in my mouth. But enough of that. Tasting notes!

Nose: A nice peat, peppery fragrance, All of it is combined with something I can only recognize as a salty sea air. Also some roughed up wood in there. Give it a little sit and it will open up it's softer tones: Citrus (mandarin, oranges even?), a little bit of vanilla and more soft spice. The peat also seems to magically transform.

Palate: It gives quite the smokey punch on entrance, but that disappears quickly. I feel the peppers prickling my tongue, taste the sweet peat everywhere. Salt, wet wood and citrus are very apparent. It slowly grows smoother on you.

Finish: Sweet citrus. More peat. More pepper. It lingers around not too long, but quite some time really. It really leaves you hungry for another sip.

Balance: I love this. The peat and sea-salt (or salty sea breeze) hold everything together. The pepper makes it interesting and the fruity citrus gives it that sweet opposite that balances the spirit out wonderfully.

Water: Unlike many other reviews here, I believe that Talisker 10 y/o doesn't really need water to be enjoyed. It's already a landscape on taste for me. However, I do like what happens when you add a small teaspoon (not more than that, believe me.) of water. The peat becomes a bit wet, You get some extra dimension of smoke and all together I'd describe it as roasting sweet fruit on top of a bonfire, while it has rained only hours ago. The pepper makes place for more woody sweetness.

Nose: Sea salt and peat immediately hit the nose, followed by spices. There's something else as well... a hint of fish, seriously! A pleasant nose that reminds me of the sea.

Taste: Delicious. Fruity and spicy with sweet hints of toffee and caramel appearing. That smokiness is there, you'd expect it with Talisker, but it's not too overpowering. Very chewy.

Finish: Smokey and spicy with coffee, cream and caramel. The oak comes through right at the end of a lovely long finish before fizzling out with more spice and smoke.

Balance: The smoke and spices carry through really well making for a warming whisky from start to finish. A really excellent dram.

The sea-side location of Talisker can be spotted right away on the nose. I seriously believe that I could detect something fishy, but we're not talking a stench. This is really warming whisky to enjoy at any time, but if you've been out in cold wind and rain, then this will hot the spot every time.

Nose: Hints of smoke and peat with an unmistakeable champagne vapour complimenting citrus notes. I can smell sour marmalade and earth.

Colour: A beautiful deep yellow slightly darker than apple juice.

Taste: Gentle hints of peat and smoke bring a fire that warms the tongue and persists along the tongue and down the throat and esophagus. Like the nose, dry champagne and sour marmalade are noticeable.

Finish: Not bad, but disappointing. The marvelous taste lasts only a moment as burn and spirit take over and dissipate almost as quickly as they started. A bitter taste lingers on the tongue.

Overall: Enjoyable but lacking in depth and a solid finish. In my opinion, the Talisker 10 tastes more smoky than, for example, the Clynelish 14 but it lacks the depth and finish that makes the Clynelish 14 one of my favourites so far in my journey.

Color: gold.

Nose: salty peat and iodine. Water brings out a little more smoke, but this isn't what I would call a smokey Scotch. More like the smell of ash the morning after a bonfire. But the peat and iodine are way out front. After a few minutes, I begin to pick up citrus and vanilla, just out of reach behind the iodine. It kind of teases you.

Body: full and chewy.

Palate: a little smokier than the nose, but the peat and iodine are still most prominent. I also taste wood chips and buttered, whole-wheat sweet bread, and a hint of black licorice.

Finish: long and warm. Smokier still than the palate. It takes a second for the pepper to burst forth, but even then, the pepper isn't nearly as overwhelming as reputed. Definite black licorice and cough syrup after-taste. Everything from my lips to the back of my throat feel warm and numb for minutes after I've finished my glass.

I got to open my anniversary present a day early -- a ten year for my ten year -- and it did not disappoint. I've heard so many stories of this being painfully peppery or overwhelmingly medicinal. Neither proved true for my mouth. I probably would have hated this a year ago, but now it strikes me as a pretty well-balanced and smooth option among the more challenging whiskeys out there. This isn't my favorite, but I could easily see myself alternating between this and the Laphroaig Quarter Cask in my cabinet.

This was the deal breaker for me. I was either gonna love it or hate it. A little risky spending $80 on a bottle of something that could go both ways, but whats the point of living life without taking a little risk...

Colour - Medium gold, thick gold

Legs - Quite slow, thin, long

Nose - Hello peat! Its the first thing to make an appearance on the nose. Big, thick peat. Earthy and dominating thats how he rolls! Followed by this is some vegetal sweetness, almost vanilla'ish in nature. Then a hint of smoke, and something else hanging around in the back? Oh oh, whats this I smell….. antiseptic? Can't say I smelt this before in a whisky. As strange as it is, it doesn't stay with you, instead it just pops up when it feels like it.

Palate - I was gonna either love it, or hate it... but instead I have discovered liquid gold! Its official. Explosive. It enters the mouth and feels as if its expanding endlessly. Never knew this was possible. Sweet oily texture. The strangest mouth feel I have experienced to this date. Rich, thick, robust, just massive expression in this. Salty, spicy, sweet, peaty, citrusy, earthy, syrupy medicinal notes and 100% delicious. On second tasting there is a load of antiseptic flavour in here. Just like the nose it comes and goes, however when it hits you, its unmistakable.

Finish - Lingers off with a fair amount of dry sweetness, peat, and hint of smoke. The dominating mouth feel is sweet earthy peat with a sweet antiseptic taste lingering around. Not getting too much pepper (as some talk about), a little spicy (on the tongue) but nothing over the top. As you stay with it, the peat and smoke just bounce off each other, resulting in a nice long enjoyable finish……..until your second glass! Damn this stuff is good.

Conclusion - Worth every penny. A very intense peaty, yet, sweet oily whisky. Already one of my favorites. If I could make it even better, I'd throw in more peat and smoke.

Perhaps Lagavulin 16 or Laphroaig QC will fit that bill! Off to the store I go!

92 points.

For it's price i can say that Talisker 10 years old is quite impressive.nose: is nice , smoke not the strongest though. But when it comes to taste it everything changes : the smokyness opens up at the same time with the fruittyness. The taste is long lasting and is finishing with the smokey side again. Don't forget to ad a teaspoon of water to get the best of it. Overall a great drink ....

Drunk with a teaspoon of water added.

Nose: Strong smoke, slightly fruity with a pinch of salt at the end. Very nice and comforting.

Taste: Warm, with sweet smoke and some apples at the front. As the Talisker warms, pepper starts prickling the tongue. The taste increases gradually, and I would definitely recommend not swallowing it too rapidly.

Finish: Smoke, minerals and a long drawn out taste of sweet oak and peppers. One of the longer finishes I've encountered, and a nice one.

Balance: Pepper is the dominant aspect here, but it's never overpowering and the whisky stays dangerously drinkable, never harsh. It's a well done scotch, and one with a distinct taste.

Will I buy it again? Maybe. It's definitely something unique: the smoke is not like the Islay's, and the pepper is not a typical spice I have encountered.

Talisker 10 @Day 2, 2012-01-12

This review is for a bottle from circa 2005, opened January 10th 2012. First Talisker experience (which shows how long of a whisky journey I have ahead of me). Don't ask why I've had this on a shelf for over 6 years without ever having tasted it - I guess I just never found the right opportunity!

Anyway I will provide notes for "fresh" tasting and then several weeks on to see if the character of the whisky changes, for better or worse (as others in the community have noticed differences over time with this whisky).

First impressions - the whisky is "sweaty". It leaves little droplets on the side of the glass; as if a film of water lies on top of the whisky. The glass was completely dry before adding whisky. I have not seen this before. Ambient temp today was 36C (or 97F) which might have something to do with it, not entirely sure though.

Nose: Weaker than expected - expected a stronger more intense delivery of peat and other notes but there's not much there, it's actually fairly subtle and restrained. Soft peat smoke, a little citrus, brine, soft malt, just a hint of honey, eucalyptus oil and a touch of "earthy" spices. Nose develops some caramel notes after tasting. With water: Smoke subsides as wet pebbles, leaves and peat moss arrive. Malt cereal emerges. Sweetens over time.

Taste: Peat, salt, pepper, citrus all coming to the party with a zesty punch, intense (but rather short-lived) inter-mingling of all the elements, delivered to near perfection. What the nose lacked in "oomph" is more than redeemed on the palate. Pleasant medium-bodied mouthfeel without any surprises. With water: Mellower all round, bitter citrus and oaky notes at the back. The initial zesty "kick" is gone. I like it better without water.

Finish: Peaty, dry, good length. Lip-smacking savoury, meaty, salty notes remain, like after a bowl of popcorn. Fantastic. Would go swimmingly with grilled salmon or pepper calamari. Why did that pop into my head? Curious. With water: Add slighly medicinal, enhanced peaty notes.

Balance: A quite superbly balanced dram. We have salty, sweet, citrusy and peaty notes combining brilliantly to provide a memorable experience. Best without water, I think.

Score: N21 T22 F23 B24 = 90

Talisker 10 @2 Months

Nose: Peat smoke, brine, cough drops, barley sugar, hint of fruit.

Taste: Intense peppery delivery, citrus, sweet malt, brine developing, peat, chili finish.

Finish: Pepper, peat smoke, citrus. Savoury finish.

Balance: No change from the first tasting, all the different notes are still holding together fantastically without unravelling.

Score: N22 T21 F20 B22 = 85

So there you have it. I think I liked it better at initial opening if you go by the score. At two months later though there's still not a lot of difference, even as the score goes down 5 points - it did seem a little "flatter" than the first tasting but it could be my mind playing tricks on me as I more or less knew what to expect; though I did the 2 month tasting completely blind without any references to the first tasting.

I'd be hard pressed to not have a bottle of this with me at all times, such is the quality (and price point) of this whisky. Would definitely suit a colder clime however, while a great drop, it’s a little too warming for summer.

Talisker 10 @6 Months

This sample from the bottle originally opened in January 2012 is from a full 20cl (200ml) bottle decanted one month after opening, so if you're an oxidation nut, it's the equivalent perhaps of a bottle opened twice or three times with a high fill level, sampled 6 months later.

Nose: Vague wisps of smoke and something sweet - vanilla perhaps, or confectionery sugar - but the malt comes through nicely, too. This isn't really a typical "Talisker" nose any more, bit it does remind me of English Whisky Co Chapter 6 for its clean malt sweetness (but the similarity ends there). After some further nosing there's burnt lime juice, tequilla (!) a little brine and wood dust. Overall, somewhat flat but not bad.

Taste: Bitter, salty, zesty citrus, but also sweet malt. White pepper, oak spices, a bit "spirity" - some rough edges appearing now? A little sharp on the front of the tongue - but dissipates quickly enough to leave a good mouthful of whisky to savour!

Finish: Peat first which is a welcome dimension, but a little astringent. Bitter citrus, dry malt. Warming but the finish isn't as long as I remember it to be, but still quite pleasant.

Balance: Bitter sharpness on the palate offset (rescued?) by the sweet nose and a soft peaty element in the finish. Not the exuberant, lively Talisker 10 of earlier drams from the bottle.

Score: N19 T18 F19 B18 = 74

I clearly noticed a degradation in this whisky after 6 months. In future I will be careful to minimise air contact with this one so I can maintain the early, lively character of this whisky as long as possible. Still fantastic value if you drink it within a couple of months! The final score can be a little misleading; while it's an average score, if you exclude the 6 month timepoint you're looking at about 87/100 so please take my final verdict with a grain of salt (.. or the lovely brine in this whisky ;-)

Final (Average) Score: N21 T20 F20 B22 = 83

Talisker is one of my favorite distilleries and the ten year old is literally one of the reasons why.

The smooth nose on this island malt is a thing of beauty. Light, fresh and delicate it first permeates your nostrils with a gorgeous lemon tart on a bed of sponge cake. Stuck to the buttery surface of the sponge cake are chopped nuts and the most delicate of light purple flower petals. Balancing all these is the unmistakable salty smoke bringing with it a touch of iodine. I could enjoy this for hours.

The multitude of flavors on the nose continue their march on the palate. The delivery starts of beautifully honeyed followed by the spiciness of the black pepper and small sticks of cinnamon and with it a touch of nutty citrus. As your palate enjoys the interplay between spicy and sweet the gorgeous salty charcoal smoke comes through reminding you of an early afternoon barbecue.

The long dry finish is a perfect finalé to this outstanding Skye malt.

Recently thanks to the taxman i was able to purchase a few bottle of whisky to try/enjoy. After some searching around and some advise from time site and its users i made my decision and got a couple of malt gift packs. I ended up with a nice little selection of Talisker 10yo, lagavulin 16yo, glenkinchie 12yo, cragganmore 12yr, dalwhinnie 15yo and was meant to have oban 14yo but some one had swapped it for another talisker so got 2 of them. Now i had a little left in the budget so i also got myself highland park 12yo. As i got 2 talisker bottles i decided this would be the first i try. Nose: first thing i get is smoke and some sea salt and some fruit if i breath in really deeply. Very nice smelling

Taste: I get some salt and pepper followed by some peat which i did not pick up with the nose so was a nice surprise. I get a little bit of alcohol which i also didn't expect but just figured i must just be a bit tired but found out the next day it was actually 45.8% abv which is my first above 40%

finish: Mainly pepper and smoke leaving me wanting more.

Overall a very nice whisky and am very happy i got 2 of these as i don't think the first one will last long.

This was an outdoor testing, which means i can't do a full review, but in general, a standard peat taste, simple, rounded and quiet. Worth trying

I must say that if anything this whisky is slightly underwhelming through the nose and the palate, however the balance and finish bring it through to the level of enjoyment which one can appreciate on a winter's evening...

Nose: At first a hint of olive is present, which is then hidden away by a smokey aroma that develops into a lingering array of spices, mainly Salt and Peppers.

Palate: the first drop to touch the tongue gives a short lived sweetness of pears and possibly a very feint citrus sensation. Overwhelming notes of peppers and other spices.

Finish: The finish is medium in length with the senses mainly experiencing a salt and pepper. I think the low level of sweetness from the pear and citrus from possibly a lemon, drags the bitterness from the S&P and ABV% to a quick halt.

All in all, this whisky I consider to be highlighted by its balance, the S&P flavour and aromas drown out most other sensations, the pear would have been better to be brought further forward and to linger on the palate just that little bit longer. Some added complexity and layers would have made for further interest.

I remember the first time I tried this whisky. At the time I was a novice in the world of whisky tasting - Johnnie walker Black Label being the only scotch I owned. I enjoyed a glass or two, but I couldn't pick out flavours and subtle differences between whiskies - I really wasn't 'into' whisky then like I am today. And that is all down to this 10 year old Talisker.

I had been out for a walk with my wife (or fiancée, as she was at the time)and we decided to go for a drink. Behind the bar they had a little stand displaying 3 or 4 bottles of whisky, each with a brief description underneath. Immediately I was drawn to the dram described as 'smoky', and ordered a glass.

One sniff (or 'nosing' as I know know it is called) and my days of being a passive whisky drinker were over. I was hooked. "Wow" I said to my wife, who thought I was crazy. Whisky is whisky to her, as much as I've tried, in vain, to convince her otherwise.

Later that day I googled Talisker, and found that it was used in Johnnie Walker Black Label, the bottle I had at home. This led to finding out more about how whisky was made, the difference between blends and single malts, and has grown into quite a hobby. All thanks to Talisker 10yo.

Nose: Sweet, deep smoke, and lots of pepper. Brown Sugar. Slightly floral. Complex and intriguing, fantastic. The nose alone can keep you happy for a long time!

Taste: Pepper. Spices, cayenne pepper, and then WOW! Lots of smoke. Then, as the smoke dies down a little, the spices and pepper come back. A hint of plums, and very slight fish oil.

Finish: Oil, pepper. Then the smoke rises into a big, long finish. Superb.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to try Talisker 10 yr old a few weeks ago on a very special night. My first wedding anniversary!

My wife and I went to the hotel where we spent our honeymoon for dinner because we were extremely broke and we couldn't afford much. As we sat down for dinner we looked over the menu and I went straight to the whiskies. To aid in our adventure I had brought along my whisky bible. The cheapest whisky on the menu was the Talisker 10 yr old.

Talisker 10 yr old scored a 93 in my bible so my wife and I thought it was worth a shot since we couldn't afford anything else.

I must be honest I'm glad that we tried it! They brought out our drink (only 1 for the two of us) in the biggest tumbler I had ever seen. I was blown away to see this little bit of liquid in this massive glass produce these lovely aromas! Smoke on the water is what floated through. Fruit (citrus), Smoke, a hint of peat, salt and pepper. We didn't taste any of the sausage talked about in the bible though.

The taste was the same, but it was just a hint of fruit while the smoke and pepper jumped up and down on my tongue!! Lovely! Even better my wife who doesn't enjoy smoke or peat in her whiskies at all (she's a speyside woman!) enjoyed the Talisker immensely!! A little bit of water opens up the fruit and smoke with the pepper retreating a little bit. Still quite lovely.

The finish is long and lingering with the pepper continuing to jump and down all around my palate and down my throat. This is an awesome whisky!! However I don't think this would be a whisky that I would introduce a person new to whisky to as I think the smoke and pepper might scare them away.

First paycheck I could I ran out to buy a bottle of this lovely whisky and it was a little pricey but quite worth it at around $65 bucks AUS and I think I'll keep a bottle around as much as I can. A nice dram for after a hard days work!

Talk about "bang for the buck" whiskey's and it doesn't really get much better than this. Widely available around 30 of your euros if you shop around a little this is one of my all-time favourites and for me (and my cabinet) an instant classic.

When you have already tasted this whisky you might agree that the nose is not that all revealing if you compare it to the taste. Rather sweet on "first smell" but also a rather profound hint of peat, smoke and also the talisker characteristic coastal element.

Then the tasting... I still get very quiet with this one :-) Wow! Opening very strong on a slightly sweet note and then a massive attack of wood, ash... I feel like I'm sitting by a campfire on the beach and I'm breathing in fire! There's the salt and then again a bit more fruity... Citrus fruit? Realy words don't do much justice, you just have to try it for yourself and realy experience it... and keep experiencing it as the finish is long and lingering, making you look forward to the next round. Try to put this one down, I dare you! :-p

In terms of scoring it's a solid 90 for me. If you take into account the price range this bottling sells in I'd even up that to a solid 95. But that would be unfair to the older bottlings of this distillery.

This is an example of how even an entry-level expression can be so great if the distillery is that awesome. And Talisker is such a distillery!

The nose is typically Islay with a beautiful blend of salty ocean spray, seaweed, iodine and the hints of smoked dry fish. A whiff of sausages on a hot barbecue come through all the initial aromas. Mingled with all the smokiness is the delicate balance of sweet honey.

The palate delivers what the nose promises but this time whipped into the mix are oily charred nuts and sprinkles of leathery tobacco. Spices make their way to the back of the throat but are nicely balances with all the other flavor profiles.

This is truly an excellent excellent single malt from one of my favorite distilleries.

Nose: Olives, pepper, cinder toffee, with water - bonfire smoke Taste: Sea salt, pepper, pears, rhubarb and custard sweets. Develops into spicy notes with peat coming through Finish: Olives and sea salt

Eversince I started drinking whisky, I've been wanting this one. When I got my hands on it the first time I was so delighted I couldn't wait to open it up. What I did instead was leaving it for 2 months without opening, because I find it odd to open a bottle without ending another one first. But I couldn't resist afterall!

Legs: long and fat, almost like a chubby woman, but prettier.

Nose: there's quite a lot going on in here, gentle peatiness and salt and pepper. Smells like my dad cooking.

Palate: nose really comes forward here, pepper comes in harder then a nuke could (eventhough I do not know how that could be done).

Finish: simply put: WOW! Pepper just goes on and on and on, unbelievable!

I loved the taste of this, something to remember and buy again. I recommend this to everyone

The Cailean Maclean Postcard EDN. in a handsome flip-top box: Very much an old school Talisker. The most delicious Talisker in a very long time. Smooth & captivating and I'm sure, tasted blind would be instantly recognized as 'T' but perhaps an older whisky than 10 yrs. Lots of low tide iodine, peat, smoke with an overlay of incredible sweet malt, all beautifully balanced and integrated. While definitely 'Old School' Whisky this example is spotlessly clean. The nose seemed a little subdued when first opened but a few drops of pure rain has revealed a wonderful aroma of toffee, bushfire smoke and fruity malt! A Triumph!

Don't miss this one and add a few drops of spring water or better yet Pure Rain.

I tried this a few months back on holiday in Italy and was immediately taken by the unique aromas and thick rich complexity on the palate, and was also surprised to find this so widely available and surprised by the price point. I bought a bottle in London this week and left open for a hour before pouring.

The colour is a very inviting burnt gold with almost a mascara-line of pepper around the edges... make what you will of that..

My knowledge of Island malts is pretty good but by no means expert but I would rate this Talisker as a reference Whisky. There is an immediate uniqueness in both the aroma and on the tongue, with a sensual briney musk and herbal aroma that conjures up thoughts of by-gone almost ancient eras with the taste delivering a refined complex garlic-oil, exotic spice kick. Perfectly balanced combination of the masculine and feminine.

For me better neat but worth trying with water either way you know that you have tasted something unique and almost ancient/mysterious.

I could imagine sipping this in the wet months of autumn or the biting cold of a Scottish Winter.

Am looking forward to trying Talisker as cask strength, the 18 yo and the 57 North at 57% abv as am developing a taste for higher strength offerings.

Although not the first single malt I tasted this was the one that I was aware of what this ment.

So this review is biased as the first it is the dram that all that follow are judged by.

For me this has everything the sweetness, the peat the smokness an the sea weed associated from most of the Island malts, milder than most of the Islays, but it is still deep and complex.

It is the Dram that just keeps giving with a long deep, smooth warm finish without a big alchol burn

Nose: Pepper and licorice saltwater taffy from the shore. Then, soft cheese, ripe. Stomach acid. Faintly unpleasant.

Palate: Hot - rises up the back of your throat - but calms down fast. Amaretto cookie, Necco wafers. Bold.

Finish: Distinctly medicinal, with a bit of slight honey. Unique, maybe best part of this dram.

I've had more flavourful drams but not more rewarding. In the end, if I had to choose a desert island scotch it would be this one. It has a bit of everything. The smoke and pepper is there but it gives way to the barley sugar. The medicinal vibe is there but it gives way to the peat. It's the ultimate all-rounder. I've had much more expensive drams but none that I'd rather commit to.

Nose: moderate peat, smoke, heather honey, substantial salt, pepper, and a little fruitiness

Taste: sweetness, black pepper, and saltiness come on very strong here, with peat and smoke continuously contributing as well. Malt is noticeable when you look for it, but it takes a background role in the flavours

Finish: There is a long duration and strong intensity of all of the flavours on the tongue and palate. The warming effect in the mouth and throat is strong

Balance: The flavours of honey, salt, peat, and pepper do succeed in combining to make a relatively unified and strong statement. Though this is a very popular malt I found the intense salt and pepper together to be rather austere for my taste, so I added a little water, something I rarely do. I liked the Talisker 10 yo better with a few drops of water since that seemed to bring out the sweetness. Overall, though, this remains somewhat austere for my palate, though I have no difficulty seeing that others can enjoy the boldness of the flavours

I have only tasted Talisker 10yr once before, but that was at a cigar bar after a dram or two, so it wasn't really a fair taste. I stumbled across a Talisker three pack of 20cl bottles: 10yr, '93 Distiller's Edition, and 18yr. I am really excited about tasting these whiskies, as Talisker is a real crowd favorite.

Talisker 10yr is bottled at 45.8% ABV.

Nose: Lots of smoke and sea air, mixed with a little seaweed and brine. There is a bit of a tangy fruit aroma, like an unripe pear, or unripe green grapes.

Palate: Very engaging mouth feel, with plenty of peppery spice and tanginess. A bit of sea salt as well.

Finish: Long finish with lots of hot pepper. Plenty of tangy smoke coming out.

This is very tasty. The tanginess is pretty powerful, bringing in a great flavor to balance the pepper and smoke. The going rate for Talisker 10yr around here is $60, and I would say that even though $60 is a bit high for a 10yr, this one is well worth the going rate.

this is an outstanding scotch. considering its only 10YO, it is full bodied, complex and well balanced. the strongest and most evident aromas are smoke, peat and iodine.

Smooth at the beginning but strong charactered finish. Sweet and bright. Can drink several glasses without getting tired of the taste.

The description on the bottle itself is actually spot-on.

Prefer drinking with a little water to better appreciate the flavor.

My first introduction to this whisky was not a good experience. Perhaps the bottle at the bar was older and didn't have much whisky in it, but the drink tasted very unbalanced. However, revisiting this bottle has been a much better experience. It's as salty as I remember, but as most Islay bottlings have show, this can change from day to day (due to changes in the palate). It's correctly balanced though and has a nice fresh and fruity taste that compliments the saltiness. It's certainly unique and I am happy with it. The aftertaste is very pleasant, just like Caol Ila 12 Year and Ardbeg 10 Year; very very fresh. It's like taking a bite out of a fresh apple...with some salt.

Nose: Peat, smoke, ocean air, lemon peel

Palate: Phenolic, reminiscent of Islay (naturally) but uniquely Talisker. Spicy pepper, salted pretzels. With a little water the salted pretzels mellow and become more like salted butter.

Finish: Delightful. Flavors relax and allow something new to arrive. Basil perhaps? The more I taste the more I feel that it is basil, however, this will take some future exploration.

I always know that I have made a wise purchase when the whisky leaves me feeling that I haven't sufficiently explored it in one sitting. Upon tasting some whiskies, you might feel that everything it has to offer is sitting in the glass. This is not one of those whiskies. Talisker 10 y.o. leaves me thinking that it has much left to offer in the whole bottle!

Not going to give a full review on this drop as many already have.

Suffice to say, HOWEVER, that I am having a dram right now as I do many a cold night after chopping wood out back for an hour or two...As such I thought i should mention that this is actually my "Old mate."

This is the one that never betrays me, is always there when I need him, seems endlessly ready to accompany me for a drink after dinner, and stands at the ready in my cabinet as duty dictates.

Gents, this is a soldier. A trooper at heart with fighting spirit and a sense of humor to boot.

Nothing less than a classic and the Colonel himself of tens.

When moses handed down the ten commandments, he should have appointed this young colonel to see them through.

He scores a 91 from me on sheer drinkability and pure output to say the least. A whisky drinkers best friend and as I said, my "Old mate."

To the colonel of tens...We who are about to drink you, salute you.

CW

I started this bottle thinking it was a bit too peppery for my liking but after a few glasses, it grew on my immensely.

This Talisker 10 Year Old is the representative of the Island region in the ‘Classic Malts’ series from Diageo, but it can also be obtained as a 20cl bottle in the ‘Strong Collection’ and in the ‘Talisker Collection’. The distillery is the only one on the island of Skye. The spirit is an important part of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

The whisky is very oily and draws nice, big legs in the glass.

It has an exceptional nose: peaty, salt and something sweet underneath. I’m reminded of oysters with a dash of lime, mixed with… err… banana? Can’t help it, that’s what my mind tells me.

On the palate it’s silky soft with the peppers building up rapidly. Oh, my. OH MY! Red hot chili, baby! Incoming! You simply have to swallow or your head might just explode. Wow! Absolutely wonderful. Something sour in there as well? My god, this is good!

The finish lasts forever and it’s the peppers that keep your mouth hostage.

This Talisker 10 Year Old is a top whisky. You simply have to try this. Not for beginners, though (no offense). Don’t pour this as an introductory whisky, unless you want to scare people away. This taste needs some getting used to. But for the practiced whisky buff this is probably a godsend.

You love it, or you hate it. This is my opinion on this very particular whisky. I love it, the taste remember me the wild sea of the north, spicy and peated. One of the best I've ever tried.

In my opinion, the best malt I never tasted. Not only for the taste, peat and spicy, but for the flavour that reminds me the wild sea of the north.

I decided to leave Speyside for the Isle of Skye, and quickly realized I was in for a very different experience. Talisker 10 has a very sweet and spicy nose. Oranges, cinnamon, and a very sea-like element instantly become apparent in the nose.
The palate itself is an explosion of pepper, peat, smoke and cinnamon, followed by a finish of even more pepper and peat which seems to last an infinity. This is definitely not a beginner scotch. Hours after tasting this dram, I'm still overwhelmed by difference between this and my Speysiders. It's not an everyday scotch, but experiencing should be a part of your resume. If you're a fan of the Johnny Walker Black, you'll instantly recognize Talisker as one of it's main malts in the blend formula. Alone, I found it a bit too peppery on the finish.

This whisky has a strong body. It has a real strong pepper taste that takes you by the throat. To much for me. I did enjoy this whisky.

The aroma is rich - peat, smoke, salt and a hint of sweetness. Very warm and inviting, it ought to be easy to extend the life of this dram simply by taking an extra sniff or two between sips but it isn't.

The taste starts with spicy sweetness and a little salt and warms up as the peat and smoke slowly builds. It's like an explosion, only smooth, warm and embracing. So the only problem with having a few extra sniffs between sips, is that the sips are too good.

The finish is warm, dry, full of peat and a hint of spice that leaves the tongue tingling for several minutes.

This isn't necessarily a good whisky to introduce people to single malts with, because although plenty will grok it straight away, it is quite peaty and smoky, and I've found that many people need to be gently guided into appreciating peat and smoke in a whisky. However, this one of the drams that take people from being a casual enjoyer of whisky and turns them into serious whisky buffs. Like the Highland Park 12, if someone knows about whisky, they will know, and enjoy, the Talisker 10 year old.

Personally, I got lucky - this was my third ever single malt, and it was the whisky that made me fall in love with whiskies. A fantastic dram that I will keep replacing on my shelf for as long as they continue making it.

Oh, and props to anyone who gets the 'grok' reference without googling...

Bluntly, this is my default scotch. This is THE quintessiential scotch whiskey.

NOT for the inexperienced, it's complex smoothness is full-bodied and light at the same time while still providing the bite to remind you that this is a whiskey and not a mixed drink (not that you'd ever catch me having a mixed drink; Vespers excepted).

Talisker is full-bodied enough to accompany a strong cigar and light enough to follow up a light fish dinner, in any season. It is slightly dry, smokey, earthy, woody, and peaty, HOWEVER, those with a refined enough palate will detect the distinct sweetness that exemplifies this drink. Forego the snifter.

I was consequently surprised and also unsurprised to notice a bottle of Talisker on M's whiskey bar in the Bond movie "Die Another Day." Further research revealed Talisker also provided the whiskey for "The World is Not Enough."

If I was stuck on and island I could have only one, this would be the one.

Bartender, I'll have two fingers, rocks glass, one ice cube, and no backtalk. Please.

Wonderful ripe, fresh, yet powerful Whisky. Tastes of the sea

A hum-dinger of whisky, not for the faint hearted! You can almost taste the sea air, this whisky is as rugged as it is smooth.

A great everyday drink, but perfect on a cold day.