Talisker 25 Years Old (2006)

Modern versions of the Talisker 25 Years Old are bottled at 45,8 percent, which is the signature Talisker strength. Up until 2011 (or 2012, I should check that), this quarter century Talisker was released at cask strength. Seeing as I’ll be tasting a version from twelve years ago, this is thankfully a cask strength edition.

Talisker 25 Years Old (56,9%, OB, 2006)

Nose: I love how this is both fruity (passion fruit, lemon and hints of green apple peel) and peaty, yet in a very mature way, not how a young Lagavulin can be described as fruity and peaty for example. Extremely coastal too, with loads of salty seaweed, and a touch of iodine. Finally, let’s not forget to mention it is actually quite waxy, as well as showcasing some subtle sal ammoniac.
Taste: Yep, waxy (although not very), and very peppery, even for a Talisker. Hints of licorice and citrus, as well as more than a pinch of salt. More expressive (and aggressive even) than the nose suggests, with a more dominant peat influence. There very subtle notes of marzipan here, as well as some cappuccino and menthol.
Finish: Lingering pepper-y notes, with peat as well. Long.

Score: 90

Any whisky that combines maturity with a vibrant youthfulness, is okay in my book. A tad less aggressiveness on the palate, and I would’ve rated this even higher. Superb.

Photo: Master of Malt