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TALISKER SKYE is the newest release from the distillery on the Isle of Skye. And Yes, it’s the 4th release in a row from Talisker in the last couple of years, stating with the Storm , Dark Storm, and Port Ruighe. The Israeli market is quite delayed, and only a few months ago Storm arrived here, with the rest of the core lineup (10,18,25,30). The Previous NAS offering from Talisker were quite decent, with the two storms being young, but quite tasty. It might be that Talisker (owned by Diageo) are experiencing a shortage of stock, or maybe they have been watching the sales of the previous NAS releases and then decided that NAS offers the best price / profit ratio. Whatever the reasons, I sure hoped this new NAS was going to be in par with the previous releases, and that this was not going to be a toned down watery version of Talisker 10, and gladly, It is nothing of the sort. As for maturation: It’s matured in a combination of refill and toasted American oak casks, with a slightly higher proportion of toasted casks…
Let’s dram!
Talisker Skye, NAS ,£38.95
Nose: What do you know… The Talisker “trademark” pepper is here. Now we’re off to a good start. It’s also quite creamy and malty with a rather appealing toasted wood note too. There are a few youngish notes, after all this is a young Talisker… But I find them very appealing. Pear. Apple. Orange. Peach. And of course sweet smoke too. It’s Talisker isn’t it. Very much so.
Palate: A spicy entry with loads of pepper and ginger with quite some smoke that mixes very well with the spices. It’s also salty after you swirl it in your mouth , more like bitter sweet chocolate with Atlantic salt sprinkled over it, some tar too. Coastal. Yep.
Finish: Salt. Ash. Peat. Earth. Pepper.
Conclusion
This is a highly enjoyable Talisker, with lovely notes of toasted oak, salt and fruit. It does differ from the 10 year old in the use (or lack of use) of sherry casks, but the Talisker-y peppery signature nose and palate are here, no doubt. The only issue I have with this whisky is pricing. Again, this NAS (which probably means its less than 10 yo) costs 5 quid more than the staple 10 year old, while being younger (we’re not told anything, so that’s my guess). I find it hard to justify buying this, when the “regular” 10 yo comes cheaper, and is marginally better. Not sure if Diageo are planning on discontinuing the 10, or rising its price, but the current pricing scheme is somewhat questionable. Price aside, I was really pleasantly ruprised by this dram. if you can get some and you’re feeling like trying something new , go for it.