Talisker 30 year old 2007 Release
Review by Talisker
- Nose
Subtle, with little to no nose-prickle. Immediately fresh and fruity notes (green bananas), overtaken by sweet tar and heather root. Some salt cod, iodine and intense fragrant smoke, with lemon juice and white pepper. Crisp oak; light vanilla. A drop of water freshens things: sea breezes, beach seaweed, drying fishboxes. Then it all settles, with light toffee and charred old wood.
- Palate
Good texture; drinks very well at full strength. For its age, very light and simple in structure. Broader and richer than the nose and showing mature spicy notes (nutmeg). A solid, quince-like, sweet start is followed by Szechuan pepper and some salt. Water brings out the sweetness after a while, with an almost liquorous feel. A perfect balance develops between apricot Danish pastry and all enveloping smoke. Highly complex. The acidity on the nose is not evident on the palate.
- Finish
Slow, sweet, generously warming and richly sustained. Fine smoky chocolate gives way to charred oak wood in a drying, waxy peat-rich conclusion.
- Conclusion
A fascinating, subtle, multi-faceted malt of great depth that's extraordinarily complex; to be enjoyed straight, on a meditative winter's day. Plenty of Talisker character; uncommon depth and sophistication.