Talisker 12 Year Old / Friends of Classic Malts

Contrary to the ‘classic’ 45.8% ABV, this special Talisker, bottled for the Friends of the Classic Malts, it bottled at 48%. It’s triple cask matured, meaning first in refill casks, then charred American Oak and finally refill European oak. I poured it at a tasting recently and it was an instant hit.

The three typical Talisker traits (try saying that three times in a row!) are present on this fantastic nose: seaweeds, pepper and citrus. Blood oranges to be precise. Lots of sweet honey and dark fruit. Sweeter than you would expect from Talisker, but very harmonious.

It is a bomb on the palate: dark fruit ready to burst, lots of salt & pepper, dark chocolate and cherries (Mon Chéri, anyone?). And wonderful trace of smoke that makes the mouth all warm. Do not be embarrassed to smile, you cannot help it. This Talisker will has that effect.

The very long finish is stunning. Tobacco leaves, sweet malt and oranges precede liquorice and salt. And it just will not fade. Me? I’m on a cloud.

Heavenly. And you can still get this for 80 to 100 EUR. What are you waiting for?

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