Tasting Notes by producer;

in brief… All of Talisker’s full-on vigour, with the promise of wisdom to come. In a sentence… A classic, intense Talisker that’s like looking out to sea with a storm brewing, and which becomes deeper and more approachable when water is added.

Nose:
Very clean and intense, with light smoke soon appearing. Creamy toffee, with pronounced fruit acidity. Hints of edible seaweed, heather blossom and a calming influence of vanilla that balances the crisp attack. Chalky and minty. In time, chocolate, then salt. The chocolate becomes slightly nuttier: like praline. Water tempers the attack and brings out a slightly oily note. Initially there's a firework/struck match edge, then more seaweed, as if you’re at the high water mark on a sandy beach. Sweet yet salty, with a savoury sharpness.

Palate:
Tart fruit, sweet to start, with smoke and tar abruptly exploding around the middle of the mouth. Sweet-centred, a little like liqueur chocolate, yet tempered by a savoury edge that stops things becoming too polite. Water deepens the effect and smoothes out the abrupt shift between sweet and smoke. Mouth filling, silky and complex.

Finish
Oily, tingling with the signature pepperiness. Smoother with water.

Of the many Talisker expressions I have sampled, this is one of my favorites. Sea salt and brine. Musky. Tart, acidic, fruity. Slightly metallic. Big spice finish...for those searching for the signature Talisker chilli-catch of old, IMO, Tally 57 comes close.

Straight, slightly maritime, orange peel, peat & salt. Very strong. Delicious Talisker.

must have degraded terribly - I can not understand the older notes - young broth smells of cereal, roasted flour and citrus - without charm and depth. The Alk burns bissl - even with a lot of water still far worse than the standard 10yo. Bah I'm out with Talisker from about 2009.