Whisky Review: Talisker 10 Year Old

The Talisker 10 Year Old is a classic Scotch whisky with a peaty flavour; if you do some research, you’ll find a ton of excellent reviews for it online. It isn’t cheap — expect to shell out around $50.00 for a bottle. But it’s worth every penny. The Talisker Distillery is based in Carbost on the Isle of Skye, and specializes in premium single malt whisky. The distillery has quite a history, going back to 1830. The original distillery was lost in a fire and was rebuilt in 1960. If you enjoy something bold and flavorful with a lot of distinction, then you will probably enjoy the Talisker 10 Year Old.

In the bottle, the Talisker 10 y.o. has a rich, warm golden hue. The aroma from the whisky smells of brine, seaweed, smoky peat, and fresh fruit — probably apples, pears, and some kind of citrus, maybe orange. There is also something spicy going on as well. The flavours are very smoky and briny, immediately bringing to mind the Isle of Skye where the distillery is located, classic Scotland. Pepper and cinnamon add some spice, while the fruit flavours add in a hint of sweetness, balancing everything out. There is also some kind of wood flavour here as well, possibly oak.

All in all, the Talisker 10 Year Old is a wonderful dram with a rich, complex range of flavours and aromas, and makes for a memorable and delightful experience—one I hope to repeat often. I can see why this is a favorite for so many whisky fans. One word of warning, however; if you are new to whisky, you may find this one a bit overpowering. And if you don’t like peat, you’ll probably want to steer clear. Otherwise, if you love the flavour of classic Scotch whisky, enhanced by rich, delicious fruits and spices, you will love the Talisker 10 Year Old.

Summary

Colour: Warm, bright gold.

Nose: Smoke, peat, seaweed, cinnamon, fruit.

Palate: Smoke, peat, seaweed, orange, apple, pear, cinnamon, pepper, oak.