Talisker 30 year old 2010 Release
Review by Talisker
- Colour
Full gold. Good beading.
- Nose
Mildnose-feel. Very reserved ,and slow. At first, teasing fruit acidity (red apple skins) and dried fruits, with sweeter notes (rum toffee, chocolate brownies). Quickly then, sooty smoke (a burned out peat fire) with, after a while, alluring, aromatic spices (frankincense, clove, cedar) and polished oak, followed by more fruit, now boiled sweets. Water makes it more maritime, with iodine, menthol and beach scents, but there are also notes of milk chocolate and soft vanilla toffee in the smoky development.
- Palate
Drinks well at full strength. Slow but consistent, with autumn berries and dried fruit. Cherry stones. Cooling at first, then becoming hot and lively. Water (add only a little) brings up a pleasant smooth texture. It’s now quite sweet and again cooling to start (tart au chocolat) then warming overall, with some salt, a trace of acidity and some very measured, slightly sooty, smoke.
- Finish
Long, with roasted malt, the ghost of black pepper, and some nutmeg in the smoky and savoury aftertaste.
- Note
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A more mature, reserved Talisker which is also confident, consistent and clearly in its prime. An interesting and complex whisky, with aromas that change constantly and a lively taste; remains a Talisker through and through and is an excellent example.