Talisker The Distiller's Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 2023

VITALS:

- $90

- 91.6 Proof

- NAS

- Isle of Skye

Though not an Islay distillery, I've still come to love the great, peaty notes I get out of Talisker Scotches. Granted, I've only had the pleasure of trying a few bottlings, but what I've had I've certainly loved.  So, with the demand for these releases apparently dying down to the point that they are just shelfies now, I couldn't help but grab this bottle when I came across it.

This particular bottling was matured in Amoroso Seasoned American Oak. I think the use of the word "seasoned" gave me a second pause, as I wasn't really certain what that meant. As best I can tell, they re-charred an American Oak barrel, filled it with sherry, dumped it, then put the matured whiskey in the barrel for finishing. I could be way off here, so take that with a grain of salt.

The nose certainly comes across as fruity, and slightly citrusy. I got notes of orange and cranberry, kind of like a wintery potpourri.  There were more earthy notes as well, however, as I got some leather and oak as well. There was a light crackery, malty note also, along with a light sandalwood note, kind of like wood shavings.

I loved that the orange I got on the nose also came through on the palate. That paired nicely with a rich amaretto note. This combination alone made for an absolutely delicious, and somewhat unique pour.  There were some richer notes as well, with some brown sugar and cocoa notes coming through.

There was definitely a spice to it, but unlike other Talisker's I've had where the spice came across as peppery, this came across as more of a cloves spice, and maybe even a bit of a chili spice.  The peat smoke wasn't prominent, but was always there, lingering in the background, ready to make its appearance when called upon.

In fact, it was on the finish that the smoke was most noticeable, along with a sweet chocolate malt note. I also got a very tasty peach tea note that I wish had been present throughout.  That chili spice also added a bit of a tickle at the back of my throat, causing me to dive in pretty quickly for that next sip.  

I thought this was a delicious pour, and it was one of those bottles that once I opened it, it didn't last very long on my shelf.  I think I need to drink more Talisker.

Grade: B+