Excerpt: The balance between the fruit and smoke is fairly equal and the whisky is only slightly drying on the finish due to the creamy texture (without water, this whisky is more angular and spicy hot).
Excerpt: That sweetness doesn’t let up, even into the generous finish, but the smoke helps to tame it with a bit of wet matchheads and ocean brine. All told, it’s not as well-balanced as the 10 year, but of all the NAS offerings out there (including the Distiller’s Editions), this may be my favorite.
Excerpt: I enjoyed the proofed up experience of Talisker 57 North but this just isn't what I hoped it would be. Given that it is a NAS Travel Exclusive, I have no doubt that lower quality casks along with younger casks probably help make up this blend and its pretty evident in the dram.
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House Review
Intro:
This is a travel retail exclusive edition of Talisker.
Nose:
First whiff of ethanol, but its nice and refreshing. Salt and pepper, faint honey cream, some vanilla, lemon zest, sea air. A bit more smoky than Talisker 10 here.
Taste:
I expected a more rich mouth feel but this wasnt thick at all. Not really a problem but it is coupled with some intense heat. I appreciate that it is at higher proof, but its almost difficult to pull some notes through the heat. Its briny and peppery, theres some faint citrus and a hint of cream. Overall, its hot and peppery, with a hint of Talisker sea air.
Finish:
Nice long finish with some heat, but much more tame than the finish. Lots of pepper here, making it fairly one dimensional.
Overall:
I enjoyed the proofed up experience of Talisker 57 North but this just isn't what I hoped it would be. Given that it is a NAS Travel Exclusive, I have no doubt that lower quality casks along with younger casks probably help make up this blend and its pretty evident in the dram. That being said, it wasn't really terrible but I'd love to see a 10yr CS or even a DE CS. Those would be incredible, I think.
Score:
5
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources