Talisker 57º North
The way it was meant to be
0 289
Review by @systemdown
- Nose22
- Taste22
- Finish22
- Balance23
- Overall89
Show rating data charts
Distribution of ratings for this:
57 North @ 2013-10-04
A mini-note this time. My favourite whisky bar received a shipment of Talisker bottles recently to add to their burgeoning collection (some 200 or more whiskies) - I spied the 57 North and Port Ruighe as the box was being unpacked and made a mental note to try them.
The 57 North in particular I had been wanting to try for a very long time and finally, on a recent Friday afternoon, after a long week at work, decided to try both side by side at the bar. The 57 North followed the Port Ruighe.
Nose: Quite tame on first impressions - much less smoke than the Port Ruighe. More akin to the standard 10 year old. Dry, ashy smoke. Sea breeze, crisp sweet malt. Coconut! There's also a port/sherry influence here as well although it is quite understated. With water: Toffee and eventually wisps of BBQ and/or hickory sauce.
Taste: BIG arrival of citrus, peat and brine. Big "tang" accompanied by a good helping of spices. Eventually softens to big, chewy malt with the peat present throughout. The dry port/sherry notes are here again - the feel of red wine tannins. Big palate that just keeps on going, like waves crashing on a rocky shoreline. Lacks the strong peppery buzz of the standard 10 year old however, but definitely one to savour!
Finish: Bitter chocolate, peat, tannins, vanilla, spices, citrus, brine. Long, lingering and warm. A touch of dry oak at the back.
Balance: Great balance throughout. Extra strength really helps here! Robust and more-ish. Big but lovely with just a few drops of water - I didn't feel the need to add any more than that.
Score: N22 T22 F22 B23 = 89
I would recommend this to any Talisker fan who hasn't already tried it. I could very well see myself replacing the Talisker 10 in my cabinet with this expression.
Find where to buy Talisker whisky
considering the stronger and stronger shackles put on the 10 year old, this 57 is now the go-to Talisker, although i used to love the D.E, but don't know if i should buy the new one if quality has affected it to the point of ruin. Bit of a risk but Talisker is worth it..still.. Very good review, recognize some tastes i got from my actual bottle, have 2 in my cabinet as of this moment.