Whisky Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Amoroso Cask review and tasting notes

The Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Amoroso Cask is a special edition dram we look forward to with open arms. And let me tell you, this 2016 vintage does not disappoint.

It is a rocky single malt, very savory and dark, but embellished with a mantle of sweetness and spiciness given to it by further refinement in barrels used to make Sherry. The result is a less pure and uncompromising whisky, but the backbone always remains the gritty and contemptuous one of Talisker. This distillate comes from the magical combination of peat and sea. Don’t think it’s a compliant, soft or redundant whisky. No, this always hits hard, but they added a touch of sweetness this time.

But the beauty is that this refinement is not intrusive or too pushed or repetitive. The distillate remains free to express all its savory charge. Let’s say that it adds a veil of honey and caramel, an oxidized touch that changes from dried fruit to chocolate. And to tell the truth, this combination of caramel, salt, and smoked is very successful, titillating thanks to the tireless rhythm typical of all Talisker single malts.

The bouquet of the Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Amoroso Cask

The nose is truly splendid, sumptuous, rich in perfumes, but precise: it starts with peat and various degrees of smoke, mint, endless herbs, tobacco and softer notes such as chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, but they are not heavy, just mentioned. The fruit is well designed, ripe, with pulp, peaches in syrup, sour cherries in alcohol, with arabesques of honey to hold everything together. You can hear the sea roaring in the background. This is the distinctive feature of Talisker whiskeys. They are born from the waves. The water and the sea breeze caress the barrels, making the difference. Excellent persistence, impeccable aromatic cleansing and naturalness.

The flavor of Whisky Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Amoroso Cask

In the mouth, it is very structured, despite having a good softness, which is cut from the salt. The rhythm with which it envelops the palate is excellent. It does not hesitate. There are spicy and mentholated spikes to vary the peaty rhythm. In short, it is a well-made whisky with the proper deepness and a pungent and oxidized note that gives elegance and also a touch of freshness, unusual for a granitic dram like Talisker.

Now don’t think it’s a Macallan Amber, we are light years, of course, but Sherry’s aromatic and medicinal trait marries beautifully with the herbs of the whiskey. Complex and intriguing finish with a symphony of cocoa, honey, salt and charcoal.

Price

75-80 euros, money well spent on a solid Scotch.

Food Pairings

It is excellent to accompany smoked or barbecue dishes such as pulled pork, brisket, and ribs with this structure and flavor. If you put a drop in the BBQ sauce, it becomes photonic. The best combination is with chocolate and creamy and heavy desserts such as trifle, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, creme brùlée.