Talisker Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 2001 10 Years Old

I recently took a Scottish vacation, and while there I decided to make it a mission to taste as many Taliskers as possible (since they are one of my favourite distilleries). I tasted the new Port Ruighe, 2001 Distiller's Edition, 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old and the 35 Year Old! I also tasted the Storm, which was very disappointing. Although I didn't bring back any Taliskers, I thought I'd write up a couple that I have in my cabinet.

Douglas Laing's Old Malt Cask range (which I don't think they do anymore) features non-coloured, non chill-filtered single cask bottlings, at 50% ABV. This Talisker is from a refill hogshead (#7409), distilled in June 2001 and bottled in June 2011. One of 245 bottles.

The colour is bright light yellow. The nose has a delicate whiff of peat; the barley sugar has a light-black-liquorice quality - very interesting. Somewhat medicinal with rubbing alcohol. Green banana, sharp lemon and salt & pepper - very Talisker. Quite light and fresh. A touch of water brings out more medicinal and citrusy notes.

The palate is citrusy, with lots of lemon. Briny with cayenne pepper, and a few more black liquorice notes. Very gentle peat underlying the flavours. Herbal and a little medicinal, with juniper notes recalling a gin. Water has a similar effect as to the nose - more citrus and a little more tart peat. Pleasant but a little too gentle.

The finish brings back a little more peat, becoming mouth-drying with tart lemon juice. This is a very summery Talisker, with some bite but little depth. An enjoyable drink - just needs a little more oomph.

Find where to buy Talisker whisky