Talisker 18 Years
Talisker is known for harmonious Whiskys. Not too much of anything, no aroma fights its way to the fore. These characterful Whiskys have been distilled on the Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland for almost 200 years."Made by the Sea" is the motto under which Talisker is distilled and marketed. The entire marketing strategy is based on this principle. This fits wonderfully, because the maritime notes can also be directly assigned during blind tasting. It doesn't matter whether we have Talisker 8, Talisker 10 or Talisker 18 in the glass. Talisker always has a special signature, a real character - rough seas in a glass. The 18 years takes this signature to a perfectly balanced composition.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Smoky like vanilla cigarillos, later greeted by slightly mossy oak. Exceptionally balanced and pleasant on the nose. Small salty accents evoke memories of the Baltic Sea beach in the rain. On the fruity side, we find oranges and peaches refined with a hint of marzipan.
Palate
The almost two-decade-old whisky is soft and flattering, with a minimal and subtle smoke that is reminiscent of charcoal in a fire basket. The oranges and peach from the nose are present in the mid-palate with a little rock sugar and subtle sea salt. Interesting chalky notes as well as some earthy aromas and vanilla round off the flavour.
Finish
Sweet and salty, we feel the Talisker on the palate for a long time. Light tannins follow, but sweet vanilla remains at the front of the tongue. The Talisker chilli catch is of course also noticeable, but not as prominent as in other bottlings.
Thoughts
Marcel 91/100
A whisky that’s pure enjoyment and instantly captivates with its smoky-salty signature – the Talisker 18 is like a mild evening by the sea, elegant yet wild. For lovers seeking character and drinking pleasure, this is top-tier stuff, even if we leave the ultimate winner open.
Sascha 91/100
The Talisker 18 impresses with its balanced interplay of smoke, fruit, and salty notes, creating a complex yet harmonious structure. A technically superb single malt that clearly makes its mark in the world of premium Scotch whiskies, without quite claiming the throne.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does the 18-year maturation influence the taste of Talisker 18 Years?
The 18-year maturation results in a particularly balanced composition where smoky notes, sweet vanilla, and fruity hints like orange and peach come together harmoniously. The extended aging softens the smoke and brings out subtle salty and earthy nuances.
What role does the maritime environment of the Isle of Skye play in the character of Talisker 18 Years?
The distillery’s location on Skye’s west coast imparts Talisker 18 Years with its distinctive maritime notes. Salty accents and a light sea breeze are reflected in the aroma and flavor, giving the whisky its typical ‘Rough Sea in a Glass’ signature.
How does Talisker 18 Years differ from younger Talisker expressions like the 10 Years?
Compared to the Talisker 10 Years, the 18-years whisky is softer and more complex, with less dominant smoky notes. It shows more sweet vanilla, fruity aromas, and a more balanced interplay of smoke, salt, and sweetness, which is due to the longer maturation.