Talisker 30 year old 2008 Release
Review by Talisker
- Nose
Remarkably fresh and energetic for 30 years old. Gentle and finely constructed, though coy; with patience, dry seaweed on a salty beach, with a thread of carbolic and smoke in the background. Perhaps a trace of fragrant oil or smooth, honeyed wax, underscored by jammy, red fruit tartness. Festive notes of Christmas pudding and spiced apples, beneath sandalwood accented smoke, which advances with time in the glass. A drop of water brings up sea breezes and wet seaweed at the tide-line, combined with fresh laundry. Hints of brown apples behind, and brown sugar in the development.
- Palate
Drinks well at natural strength, when it is surprisingly sugar-sweet with light smoke. Cool and rather delicate for its age, it loses some of the malty Christmas pudding notes that were evident on the nose. Water brings forth calming peppermint with a distinct trace of tar and salt. Smooth textured and very easy to drink. An easy balance of primary tastes.
- Finish
Long, with a little honey and a cooling, menthol aftertaste of warm wood. Late herbal accents.
- Note
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Delicate, and beautifully structured. A whisky of great dignity, to be appreciated in its own right; enjoyed straight, as a fine digestif, on a meditative winter’s day. 30 Years Old Natural Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Skye.