Nose: A fresh and fragrant nose. Through thick, pungent smoke comes sweet pear and apple peels, with pinches of maritime salt from kippers, seaweed.
Palate: It’s a bonfire of peat crackling with black pepper, with a touch of brine and dry barley. A welcome delivery of orchard fruit provides a delicate and beautiful balance.
Finish: In a long finish, bonfire embers toast malt and crystallise a sugary underlay.
Palate: Thick and mouth-coating with wood smoke, brine, some tin and chilli heat too.
Finish: Red chilli peppers and oak dryness with a hint of embers.
Overall: A welcome addition to the Talisker range, and probably the smokiest whisky to be produced on the Isle of Skye.
Nose: First impressions are led by a sweet seaside vibe: seaweed, iodine, crystallised citrus fruit and charred meat. After a while, molasses and stewed tropical fruits come through, along with a wisp of smoke.
Palate: Silky smooth and mouth-filling, with prickles of that characteristic Talisker pepperiness. The fruit becomes more caramelised, and the smoke becomes more bonfire-like, but the nose and palate are beautifully aligned.
Finish: Long and warming, with the pepper turning more chilli-like, wrapped up in gentle smoke.
Overall: An unusual Talisker with the rum cask influence, and absolutely one to add to the must-try list.