It’s time for us to taste the Talisker Skye, not only drinking it for pleasure, but “for professional reasons”. How dare you laugh at this? Anyway, it’s a NAS which is intended to replace the much-loved 10 yo, a real training-ship for every Scotch passionate. Someone praised it, someone despised it. Here our simple thoughts. Colour: E150.
N: the very first impact is soothing and disturbing at the same time: it’s comfortable because the Talisker’s main notes are all present: a iodine veil, some spices (the good old black pepper) and even a hint of bacon. Meanwhile, it’s also disturbing because of the thick sensation of vanilla, marshmallows and talcum powder… It’s a mask worn to cover its youth, but the yeast & candies note dies hard.
P: rather alcoholic… That strange bittersweet sensation, again: vanilla is the main character, creating a bold sweetness focused on a strong caramel influence. Licorice and some coffee with milk, even a bit of chocolate. The intense smokiness stands aside, with a wonderful, pungent peat. Spices, pepper and something vaguely herbaceous or minty. The seaside note has totally disappeared.
F: quite long, with licorice and burnt oak in the spotlight.
Chocolate. There’s no doubt this whisky is far from the excellent 10 yo and even from another NAS, the Storm. But stop a while and think about a complete beginner tasting single malt for the first time: here he could find contrasting suggestions of vanilla and smoke, and he could easily fall in love with Scotch. Exactly as happened to us with the 10 yo. The general entry level quality is not the same, but it’s not a disaster. 82/100.
Recommended soundtrack: Calcutta – Oroscopo.
