Talisker 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whiskey (Diageo Special Releases 2021)

Talisker 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whiskey (Diageo Special Releases 2021)

Talisker 8 Years Old 2021 Limited Edition Single Malt Whiskey

Alcohol concentration: 59.7%

Origin:Scotland

Capacity:700ml

Product introduction

While we can lament the loss of the annual Caol Ila Highland bottling from the special edition, we can't complain about its replacement by the 8-year-old Talisker. This is the third release as part of a series of special releases, all showcasing different aspects of Skye Distillery’s salt-and-pepper, smoke and ocean styles.

Maturation is very simply described here as "heavy peat recasing". I was delighted to have spoken to Ambassador Ewan Gunn before delving into the range, as this is not a whiskey that has been matured in casks that once held heavily peated whiskies, as that would suggest. Instead, Craig Wilson and the bartending team picked up a pack of Talisker casks and tested the phenol content in the mature spirits, selecting only the ones with the highest readings – the casks with the most smoke – and used Published this time. Amulet with dialed smokiness? Count me in.

Nose: Rich, salty smoke bursts from the glass: beach bonfires and buttery cookies. Earthy mineral and gravel notes contrast with orchard fruit purée; rich, earthy peat smoke is carried by a refreshing sea breeze of salt and pepper. Barley sugar and fruit jelly notes emerge, coupled with moist green fern.

Palate: A burst of sweetness reveals rich smoke, licorice and anise. Chocolate, spice and moist earth develop, becoming creamy as salted caramel and leafy green notes develop.

Finish: Sea breeze and beach bonfire, just like where the nose begins - full circle. Sweet applesauce and a hint of surf linger.