The whiskey wash logo
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website

Trending Stories

Search
Scotch

Whisky Review: 2021 Talisker The Distillers Edition

We review The 2021 Talisker Distiller's Edition, double matured in American oak and ex-Amoroso Sherry casks, a style that combines Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez.

OVERALL RATING

9
  • Ian Arnold, ex-bartender and whisky enthusiast, now navigates the IT world.
Like Conversation
2021 Talisker Distiller's Edition (image via Malts.com)

Tasting Notes

About:

45.8% ABV. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2021. Aged in new American oak and ex-Amoroso sherry casks.
Appearance:
It is an orangish honey color. It forms a few thick tears that fall quickly, followed by slow smaller ones.
Nose:
It smells of sweet peat. The nose is a combination of caramel, petrichor, and a faint smoke like a distant campfire.
Palate:
It starts off with notes of caramel and peat, then progresses into a very earthy and slightly medicinal midpalate. Subtle mesquite bbq flavor on the finish is accompanied by an astringency that reminds me of lemon essential oil dropped right on the tongue. For those who did not grow up with a parent into essential oils I will try my best to explain this sensation. It is the feeling of an oil rolling across the tongue while both drying it out and fully taking over the flavor profile. Like that, but much more subtle. Peat is more present in flavors of earthiness than it is in smoke. The addition of water brings cherry to the front palate and lets the smoke come out on the mid palate, but keeps all of the other flavors. Just a bit of water eliminated that bit of astringency on the finish as well.
Finish:
Comments:
Out of the bottle I think this is a crowd pleaser, but I have to say I think I prefer the standard Talisker 10 year’s rougher edges. With just a little bit of water The Distillers Edition really shines and captures that element of giving you just a little bit more from a well known product. I just wish I got that maritime flavor I love from the 10-year-old.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Ian Arnold

Ian Arnold brings eight years of bartending expertise to the table, having honed his skills in renowned establishments across California, Australia, and Portland. His most recent position behind the bar was at the esteemed Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library. A dedicated member of the Oregon Bartenders' Guild's leadership team, Ian also served as a judge for numerous cocktail competitions. Currently working in the IT field, he continues to delight guests with his bartending prowess. In his leisure time, Ian enjoys playing board games and savoring the complexities of Japanese whisky.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

The whiskey wash logo