Talisker 1977 35 Year Old

The 16th addition to the Diageo Special Releases from Talisker, this marks a significant milestone as the distillery’s most mature offering yet. A 35-year-old whisky, distilled in 1977 and carefully matured in a blend of refill American and European oak casks.

Producer’s Tasting Notes

APPEARANCE

Rich amber. Thick beading.

NOSE

Very reserved, gentle and shy at first. Warm it slightly in the hands and wait, or agitate, then the true Talisker character develops. Now the nose-feel is distinctly spicy; beach smells or orange pomander in the foreground, dried chilli pepper behind and shavings of sandalwood in between. Broader and sweeter with a drop of water, which raises fresh red berries and warming, toasted oakwood; the spice is suppressed now, with cooling peppermint and cinnamon.

BODY

Filling and firm. Oily.

PALATE

Drinks perfectly straight, with an oily mouthfeel, a thick texture and a most appealing sweet and salty flavour. Fiery, yet rich and charged with lovely ripe autumn fruit and notes of moist fruitcake: warming hints of eucalyptus too. Becomes sweeter with just a drop of water, as the top notes are softened. Rich caramel notes; as with smooth, rich fine milk chocolate.

FINISH

Long, smooth (waxy) and very rich, tingling with late spice. With water, fresh cut wood and a spicy note of coal smoke, as from a cigar box. Late, fresh red apples too.