Talisker Distillers Edition, 11yo, 2002/2013

Talisker Distillers Edition, 2002/2013, 11yo., close-up
Rating32/40
OriginScotland, Islands, Skye
DistilleryTalisker
OwnerDiageo
Distilled2002
SeriesDistillers Edition
StyleSingle Malt Whisky
PeatedYes
CaskAmoroso Sherry Double Maturation
Bottled2013
Strength45.8% (91.6 proof)
Price$55-80

Nose: A bunch of grapes are having a smoke. (8/10)

Palate: A dusty bar of chocolate on which someone wrote “Peat!” with white chalk. (8/10)

Finish: Hangs around up top at first but eventually relaxes and lowers itself into the chest cavity layer by layer (8/10)

Balance: Well done! (8/10)

Springbank Bourbon Wood, 14yo, 2002/2017

Springbank Bourbon Cask, 2002/2017, 14yo., close-up
Rating34/40
OriginScotland, Campeltown
DistillerySpringbank
DistilledNovember 2002
StyleSmall Batch Single Malt Whisky
CaskFresh and Refill Bourbon Barrels
BottledAugust 2017
Bottles9000
Strength55.8% (111.6 proof)
Price$115-150

Nose: Plums and peaches. (9/10)

Palate: Delicious alcohol-soaked peach slices served on a wooden cutting board. (9/10)

Finish: One is first left with just a few acerbic notes but then, eventually, fruity echoes rise followed by a deep warmth. This takes serious time to develop though. (9/10)

Balance: I’m dinging it on the balance because the finish sure takes some time to sort itself out. But, hoo boy, is it awesome when it finally does! (7/10)