Talisker 18 - Big Taste.
The seasons are changing. The world series is only days away; and because half the games will be played in Chicago, perhaps in subzero temperatures, we’ll get to see the pitcher’s breath, as he looks in for the sign, or better yet, the steam coming off the neck and forehead of a baserunner who has gone from first to third. There’s more than a touch of chill in the air. And so it’s a fine time to turn our attention to Talisker 18, from the Isle of Skye. Technically, not an Islay malt, but best categorized with the other big tasting Islay scotches. And that’s the best term for Talisker – big, huge, vast, enormous, whatever.
Talisker greets one with a peaty aroma, and a spicy, peppery taste as you first sample it. But over time, as it lingers on your palate (I had to get that word, palate, into this description), the taste blows up. I mean really blows up. It grows and grows until it’s almost overwhelming. And it lingers; long after it’s swallowed, you don’t just recall the taste, you can still taste it; it’s still palpable, discernible, noticeable, whatever.
Talisker is one of the few scotches that can rival my favorite, Lagavulin, for big taste. But unlike Lagavulin, which is silky smooth, Talisker has a bit of a bite. What sets the 18 apart is that this bite remains, despite the smoothness that the extra 8 years have imparted to this great whisky. And it’s still a good buy; not as economical as the 10, but not overly pricy for as distinguished and rewarding a drink as this. Not that anyone cares, but I have concluded that this item shall remain a staple in my cabinet.
In closing, “Wait till last year.”
Talisker greets one with a peaty aroma, and a spicy, peppery taste as you first sample it. But over time, as it lingers on your palate (I had to get that word, palate, into this description), the taste blows up. I mean really blows up. It grows and grows until it’s almost overwhelming. And it lingers; long after it’s swallowed, you don’t just recall the taste, you can still taste it; it’s still palpable, discernible, noticeable, whatever.
Talisker is one of the few scotches that can rival my favorite, Lagavulin, for big taste. But unlike Lagavulin, which is silky smooth, Talisker has a bit of a bite. What sets the 18 apart is that this bite remains, despite the smoothness that the extra 8 years have imparted to this great whisky. And it’s still a good buy; not as economical as the 10, but not overly pricy for as distinguished and rewarding a drink as this. Not that anyone cares, but I have concluded that this item shall remain a staple in my cabinet.
In closing, “Wait till last year.”
posted by pops | 9:38 PM
3 Comments:
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yes, talisker 18 is the bomb. i rarely see it behind the bar, but for fans of intense peat, this is a great find. as much flavor as the 10 year, but a soft lingering finish.
to break fast in the proper scotish style, i picked up a bottle of caol ila 18. pops, you were the one who said that this is scotch that always asks for another pour, and i agree. the bottle found a way to empty itself. extra smooth, but full of character. i'm constantly resisting the urge to uncork the bottle because i know i'll need at least two glasses. although this one lacks the same intensity of peat as lagavulin, it makes up for it with an incredibly complex flavor. it really reminds me of johnnie blue -- a huge compliment.
this is the most drinkable scotch i own, and is even rivaling lagavulin as my favorite.
I think it's great you guys are writing about scotches. And I doubt you'd have any confusion about the following important principle. Still,just keep this one thing in mind, "White wine is for bitches."
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