Vår kommentar: En av Diageos spesialtapninger fra 2007. 6894 flasker er tappet av denne 25 år gamle Talisker'n, og det er vanvittig kult at noen av disse har funnet veien til Norge. En 25 år gammel Talisker havner neppe på hylla av rene tilfeldigheter, har man lyst på denne, så har man lyst på denne, uavhengig av noen smaksnotater fra destilleriet prøver å si. Men vi tar de med allikevel.
Appearance: Amber. Good beading, attractive viscosity.
Nose: Dry, robust and rich yet also soft and mild, no nose-prickle. Dense, ripe fruit; dark cherry compote. Some smokiness, overall great depth and finesse. Cleansing, not cloying. A herb garden after rain, smoked paprika, salted almond. In time, a fascinating salty edge dominates. Water increases the power and raises more smoky scents, and sweetness (embers and a sweet almost pear-like note below). Deep, complex, maritime too – fresh fish, boat varnish, seaweed.
Body: Medium to full. Smooth.
Palate: Drinks well at natural strength; mild for Talisker, with little pepper in the finish. Volcanic; erupts with flavour. Chewy, rich; a hint of burnt chocolate-cake sweetness, then immense
beechwood smoke and brine break over the tongue. More approachable with water; good mouthfeel. Sweet, more clearly than the nose suggests, then distinctly salty. Retains the classic Talisker gear-shift half-way along the palate but here the chilli hit is subdued.
Finish: Very long, warming and gingery, with late smoky cocoa. With water, smokier still; smoky bacon lingers.
