Talisker Surge
In 2022 Talisker added a travel exclusive called Surge to its core range of bottlings. This malt is only available at airport duty free shops. Let's see how this Talisker, matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks with no age statement, fares.
Tasting Notes
Nose
At first, we are greeted by a pleasant smoke. However, there is a sweet note that reminds us of roasted pine nuts. All in all, the peat smoke for which Talisker is renowned is much softer than in other bottlings. There is also clear vanilla, rounded off by the sweet and strong smell of freshly toasted crème brûlée.
Palate
The taste is mildly sweet at first, like a breakfast bun with butter. Behind this are fruity aromas of apple, pear and a little honey. The aroma quickly fades and gives way to a less complex maltiness.
Finish
The finish has the famous Talisker pepper note and a slight maritime saltiness. We feel transported to a campfire on a rocky coastal beach. Compared to the Talisker bottlings we know, however, it is rather dull and not particularly long-lasting.
Thoughts
Marcel 76/100
The Talisker Surge surprises with its gentle sweetness and soft smoke, but overall it feels somewhat muted and lacks the distinctive character one expects from Talisker. For an airport exclusive, the price is hard to justify, even though the peppery note in the finish does evoke a pleasant campfire vibe.
Sascha 70/100
The Surge presents a clear structure with pronounced vanilla and fruity notes, yet it falls short in complexity and length of finish. Compared to classic Talisker standards, it comes across as unbalanced and lacking depth, which hardly justifies the high price for a travel exclusive.
Value for Money: Very expensive
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Talisker Port Ruighe
Talisker Port Ruighe was named after the port in the small harbour town of Portree (Gaelic: Port Righ), which was very important for trade with the island.Traditionally, the Talisker distillery matures whisky in port wine casks, which have been imported from Portugal via the "Port of the King" since the 19th century. Port wine was also traded through this port. The Talisker Port Ruighe is meant to bring back a piece from the past.
84/100
Talisker Storm
The Talisker Storm presents itself without an age statement with a proud 45.8% alcohol content - a deliberate decision by the distillery, which has combined different cask maturations here. The concept behind it: To reinforce the typical Talisker characteristics without drifting into extremes. Has it succeeded? Let's take a look in the glass.
79/100
Talisker Skye
When it comes to Scotch whisky, Talisker is synonymous with strong flavours, maritime character and a pinch of smoke. But while the well-known Talisker 10 years is considered a classic, the Talisker Skye offers a somewhat softer, more accessible alternative - at least on paper.
76/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Talisker Surge only available at airports?
The Talisker Surge is a travel exclusive bottling produced specifically for the duty-free market at airports. This distribution strategy aims to offer travelers a special product that is not available through regular retail channels.
How does the Talisker Surge differ in taste from other Talisker expressions?
The Surge features a milder and sweeter smoky character than typical Talisker whiskies. It combines sweet notes like vanilla and crème brûlée with fruity aromas of apple and pear, while the finish carries the familiar peppery spice and maritime saltiness, though it is less lingering.
What type of cask was used for maturing the Talisker Surge and how does it influence the flavor?
The Talisker Surge was matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. This cask type imparts the whisky’s sweet vanilla and malt notes and results in a milder smokiness compared to other Talisker expressions, which are often aged in sherry or combination casks.