Talisker 25, 2017 Release, 45.8% ABV, £168 with shipping (UK auction)
- Nose: Prune juice, apple juice, apricot, honey, vanilla, sweet smoke, leather, old dusty books, sea air, and salt water.
- Taste: Salt and brine, more peat heavy on the palate vs the nose. There’s a musty oak-smoke element, and a really nice cherry chocolate liqueur/dark chocolate note.
- Finish: Long. Decent complexity. Chocolate and peat notes linger.
- Thoughts: Really nice dram! I would guess a mix of sherry and ex-bourbon casks? I think the combination works extremely well. You can definitely notice elements from both. Did it blow me away? Not as much as I was hoping. I was expecting this to hit that next level, and I think it fell just a little short. The old musty note (which is enjoyable in other well aged whiskies) just doesn’t work as well here. I’d be interested to try earlier releases at the higher ABV. Still a worth-wile buy at the right price.
- Score: 89 + 0 value point(s) = 89/100
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Scores:
After my initial score I will add or subtract points relative on how I perceive value (based on what I paid for the bottle). A zero value means I think the price is justified.
0-69.5 – Don’t bother trying, life is too short for bad spirit.
70-79.5 – Worth trying, but you’re not missing out if you don’t.
80-84.5 – I recommend trying.
85-87.5 – Definitely try this!
88-92.5 – I recommend buying a bottle blind!
93-95.5 – Stuff you reserve for special pours!
96+ – The meaning of life.
Toronto Whisky Society 