Talisker strengthens the Atlantic ties with Wild Blue
If we are not careful with the blue marble called earth that we live on, there might be no future for the generations after us. The blue of our world comes from the oceans and must be a sight to see if you are in space. Talisker tries to get our attention with special releases for the benefit of the sea. An amount of the RRP goes to a good cause that will help preserve our precious nature. We taste a new release in these themed series.
Talisker The Wild Blue, bottled at 48,2 % abv
First things first: The 2025 edition of a series of Talisker bottled for anything to do with the sea, with this expression being dedicated to the Blue Marine Foundation. The whisky received a finish in Atlantic Coastal Wine casks. And if you are thinking which Atlantic coast, do not look to European locations, this actually came from South African wine makers.
Upon Sipping: The nose on this Talisker is not something you find every day, so that is pleasing. I like some variation in my whisky hobby. It is a big clash between the traditional spicy maritime notes you will only find in Talisker, and the slightly sulphury, sour hints coming from the cask. Smashed fruit on tarmac, nicely rotting away in the summer sun. It does come off confidently and balanced. Some apple appears after repeated nosing. Yes, on the tongue, this gives me more of a brandy vibe, until it starts burning with the lava hot spices that are a clear signature of Talisker. The distillery character is firmly in place with this expression. The finish is dry but packs a nice punch of peat with it. With water: more smoke, damp wood, dare we say … seaweed! The taste becomes sweeter with hints of honey, but also some bacon, and the finish more juicy.
Word to the Wise: Positively surprised by this Talisker Wild Blue. Some of the more vibrant notes you will find in the regular 10 years old are subdued by the cask treatment, but you will find a fiery Talisker nonetheless. Modern, composed, a laboratorial created Talisker, but it works well.
Score: 86 points.