Talisker Special Release 2023 The Wild Explorador

Part of the Special Releases 2023 ‘Spirited Xchange’ from Diageo, this is the Talisker Single Malt called ‘The Wild Explorador’. This release explores the harmony between grace and power, paying homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships. This supreme maritime whisky was finished in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny Port casks. It was bottled at cask strength.

    Nose:    Mellow and drying, with a touch of spice once it​ settles down. The top notes are of sticky malt loaf with​ sultanas and dates as dried fruits lead the way, soon fading to become more maritime, with clean sea air, sea salt and sand dunes. Surging through this come mineral notes of chalk and a light, winey hint of macerated grape skins.

    Taste:    A creamy-smooth mouthfeel introduces a powerful taste with lightly sweet notes and hints of rich fruit. This soon becomes very salty, then intensely peppery and gunpowder smoky.

    Finish:    Long, finishing spicy with the trademark catch of chilli pepper, which tends here toward mouth-cooling ​ Sichuan pepper.