Editor’s Observe: This whisky was supplied to us as a evaluate pattern by Diageo. This under no circumstances, per our editorial insurance policies, influenced the ultimate consequence of this evaluate. It also needs to be famous that by clicking the purchase hyperlink in direction of the underside of this evaluate our web site receives a small referral cost which helps to help, however not affect, our editorial and different prices.
In films a great director’s minimize accomplishes a few issues. You get a bit extra of what you’re keen on, perhaps a shock or two, and perhaps some extra character growth that wasn’t within the authentic. This is applicable to a great distiller’s version as properly. This evaluate is considered one of a number of opinions wanting on the 2021 Traditional Malts Distillers Editions from Diageo (click on right here for the opposite opinions on this collection). The whole lot on this product line begins by being aged in a barrel that’s re-charred American oak with “crocodile-skin” charred new American oak ends. Then every distillery makes use of a completely different type of fortified wine to complete their spirit.
This evaluate is for the 2021 Talisker The Distillers Version. Talisker is a distillery on the Isle of Skye. It was the one one on the island till Torabhaig opened in 2017. Their flagship product is the 10-year-old single malt. They run two 10,000 liter wash stills and three 7,500 liter spirit stills. Their whisky has a phenol content material of 20 to 25 ppm, which places them on the decrease finish of peated whisky. All of their whisky is saved on the coast or very near it in warehouses the place they’re solely stacked two excessive.
The 2021 Talisker The Distillers Version is double matured in American oak and ex-Amoroso Sherry casks. Amoroso sherry is a mode made by including some Pedro Xerminez to Oloroso sherry. It is a darkish full bodied type that usually has notes of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts. Oloroso is aged at the next proof to maintain flor from forming. Flor is a layer of yeast that may kind throughout fermentation and growing older. Oloroso has a excessive glycerol content material that enables it to be perceived as sweeter, although it’s naturally dry.
Talisker is a good introduction to maritime flavors and light-weight peat. Using the Amoroso casks in ending their whisky supplies a beautiful complement and lessens the depth of what are very polarizing flavors. Talisker is a model I’ve loved for a few years and their flagship product, annual launch, and one off bottlings have all been issues I loved. I drank a flight of the 10-year-old, The Distillers Version, and the Particular Reserve Sport of Thrones launch whereas penning this. Their 10-year-old launch, whereas not fairly as fascinating as The Distillers Version, continues to be my most well-liked bottling. The maritime high quality I get pleasure from a lot will get subdued in The Distillers Version making for one thing I see as being extra approachable.
2021 Talisker Distiller’s Version (picture through Malts.com)
Tasting Notes: 2021 Talisker The Distillers Version
Very important Stats: 45.8% ABV. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2021. Aged in new American oak and ex-Amoroso sherry casks.
Look: It’s an orangish honey coloration. It varieties just a few thick tears that fall rapidly, adopted by sluggish smaller ones.
Nostril: It smells of candy peat. The nostril is a mixture of caramel, petrichor, and a faint smoke like a distant campfire.
Palate: It begins off with notes of caramel and peat, then progresses into a really earthy and barely medicinal midpalate. Delicate mesquite bbq taste on the end is accompanied by an astringency that jogs my memory of lemon important oil dropped proper on the tongue. For many who didn’t develop up with a mother or father into important oils I’ll strive my greatest to clarify this sensation. It’s the feeling of an oil rolling throughout the tongue whereas each drying it out and absolutely taking up the flavour profile. Like that, however far more delicate. Peat is extra current in flavors of earthiness than it’s in smoke.
The addition of water brings cherry to the entrance palate and lets the smoke come out on the mid palate, however retains the entire different flavors. Only a little bit of water eradicated that little bit of astringency on the end as properly.
