TALISKER 15 years 2010 D.Laing

Nose : Rich, powerful. Revealing at first scents of creosote, hot tar, ashes, and dried peat, the aromatic palette evolves toward more lactic (coconut), lemony, fruity (pear), herbaceous (cut hay), and saline (kelp, sea spray) registers. When allowed to breathe, malted barley grains and camphor aromas spread through the air.

Palate : Broad, lively. At once peppery, licorice-tinged, lemony (zest), and empyreumatic (eucalyptus, soot, coal), the flavor profile is imperturbable, displaying an almost metallic firmness. This assertive opening gradually gives way to flavors of vanilla, herbal infusions (savory, rosemary), and candied fruit (pear, pineapple). At the end of the palate, iodine tincture gradually coats the taste buds.

Overall : Long, balanced. Herbaceous (green barley, alfalfa), mineral (slate), medicinal (Tiger Balm), and rooty (gentian), it develops a refined bitterness reminiscent of an Italian bitter. The retro-olfaction then reveals malted barley notes that transport you to the heart of a bustling malting floor. Finally, the empty glass releases the last wisps of smoke from a Havana cigar, carrying heady, spicy, and slightly roasted accents.