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Talisker 14 Year Old Diageo Special Releases 2025 Review

What happens when you toast whisky casks with volcanic rocks instead of flames? Talisker's bold experiment delivers maritime magic in this 14-year-old special release.

OVERALL RATING

9
$175
  • Ed Leigh is the founder of TopWhiskies.com and an expert in independent bottlers.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Talisker Molten Seas is a 14 year old limited edition and one of eight whiskies in Diageo’s Special Releases 2025. Finished in toasted new American oak casks and bottled at 53.9% ABV. Interestingly, Diageo says the Isle of Skye’s volcanic rocks were used in the toasting process – a novel departure from the usual toasting process over flames.
Appearance:
Light gold, thick and oily in the glass with prominent legs
Nose:
Maritime smoke, like a campfire on a windswept beach. A lemon citrus note mixed with a minerality like wet pebbles. Baked apple tarts.
Palate:
Full mouthfeel with an oily texture. The notes from the nose again meet on the palate, with lemon, wet stone, warm campfire smoke, and ocean spray.
Finish:
The medium to long finish crescendos through clouds of smoke to end with apple, lemon, and wood spice.
Comments:
Talisker is a personal favourite, and sure enough this release didn’t disappoint; great mouthfeel, with a tasty mix of minerality, citrus and smoke. One of my top three from the 2025 outturn.

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.

Ed Leigh

Ed Leigh is a recognized authority on independent bottlers and artisan Scotch whisky. In 2019, he founded TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer dedicated to promoting these often family-run businesses and showcasing their small-batch releases. Based in London, Ed holds certifications in both wine and spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

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