Talisker 24 Years (1953) - Gordon & MacPhail
Distilled in 1953 at the old, coal-fired Talisker distillery – seven years before a devastating fire destroyed it in 1960. Back then, they still used their own floor maltings, which weren't retired until 1972. Gordon & MacPhail bottled this 24-year-old from a sherry cask as part of their Connoisseurs Choice range, and what lands in the glass is more than a whisky. It's a window into a bygone era of Scottish whisky production.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Old sherry announces itself immediately. Ripe, purple fruit juice, wild overripe strawberries and dark raisins. Behind it, a wispy peat wind and a salty sea breeze reminiscent of the Isle of Skye. Old books, old leather and antique wooden furniture create a nostalgic atmosphere. Orange peel and chocolate orange bring a bittersweet citrus note, accompanied by soft ginger, minerals and sea salt. After the first sip, back in the nose: herbs, earth and moss, almost medicinal, like cold grass and a hint of stewed duck. An incredibly rich, multilayered bouquet where nothing fights for attention.
Palate
The entry is oily and fuller than the modest 43% would suggest. What stands out immediately is how clean this whisky tastes, a legacy of old-world distillation. Stewed red dates, herbs and a gentle peat smoke form the foundation. Then come red berry jam and ripe grapes, dunnage notes and dusty floor. Brown cake and raw cane sugar dominate the sweetness. No cream, no heaviness. Oyster shell and a subtle salinity add maritime accents. After chewing, the smoke builds slowly, lending a spicy depth to the whole experience.
Finish
This is where the old Talisker shows its true greatness. The smoke builds gradually, the flavours grow and grow. Gunsmoke and old leather, herbs and peat. Waxed wild strawberry and raspberry appear, impossibly complex. Old grease gun, salinity, black pepper and sea salt. The retronasal smokiness is impressive. A finish that refuses to end, telling stories from another time.
Thoughts
Marcel 91/100 - (World class)
A whisky like a time machine. Distilled in 1953, coal-fired, with their own floor maltings – you can taste all of it. The low 43% don't hurt at all; quite the opposite: the complexity that emerges at drinking strength is remarkable. If you ever get the chance to try something like this, take it. These are moments you don't forget.
Sascha 89/100 - (Excellent)
Historically fascinating, no question. The nose is glorious: old, complex and incredibly multilayered. On the palate, the only weakness: the 43% make it a touch thin and watery, but the sherry carries it confidently. And then the finish, that's where the old Talisker truly comes alive. The retronasal smoke is the highlight and shows exactly why this distillery is legendary. A piece of history in a glass that deserves to be experienced.
Value for Money: 0/5 (No rating)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Talisker so special?
This Talisker was distilled in 1953, seven years before a fire destroyed the distillery in 1960. At that time, Talisker still used coal-fired stills and their own floor maltings, giving the whisky a unique character that cannot be compared to modern bottlings. Most stocks are said to have been destroyed in the fire, making this bottling extremely rare.
What is the Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice range?
Connoisseurs Choice is the most famous and long-running bottling series from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin. Since the 1960s, they have released single cask bottlings from a wide variety of Scottish distilleries. The range is renowned for excellent cask selection and long maturation periods.
Why does this whisky only have 43% ABV?
In the 1970s, when this bottling was released, it was standard practice to reduce single malts to 43% or 40% ABV. Cask strength as a selling point came much later. The lower strength doesn't harm this Talisker: the aromas are so concentrated from 24 years of sherry cask maturation that the complexity remains impressive even at 43%.
