Dalmore 12 vs Talisker 10: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:36 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore the distinctions between Dalmore 12 and Talisker 10 in my comprehensive comparison, and choose your next favorite!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Dalmore 12 vs Talisker 10: Comparison

The Dalmore 12: Opens with a rich nose of dark fruits and chocolate but delivers a lighter taste of apricot and fig. The finish is short, with lingering fruit and spice. A decent whisky that might lack the depth for some, despite its intriguing aroma and unique aging process.

Talisker 10: Features a smoky nose with pear and apple, leading to a palate of dried fruit and mineral notes. The finish is long and peppery, offering a well-balanced smoky experience. Suitable for those who enjoy peat with their whisky, providing a creamy and complex flavor profile.

Verdict: The Dalmore 12 and Talisker 10 cater to different preferences within the whisky spectrum. The Dalmore 12 appeals to those who appreciate a whisky with a rich aroma and a lighter taste, while Talisker 10 is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a balanced smoky character with depth and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: My Top-Rated Single Malts

The Dalmore 12: A Look

Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum
Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan
Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Balvenie 12

Intriguing nose: The Dalmore 12 opens with dark fruit, orange, and hints of chocolate and spice, setting high expectations for a rich taste.

Lighter body: Despite the promising nose, the taste presents with a lighter body than anticipated. The initial fruity sweetness can become slightly cloying for some.

Short finish: The finish is brief, offering lingering dark fruit and spice with a touch of bitterness. Adding water doesn’t significantly improve the experience.

Decent, but not complex: Overall, the Dalmore 12 is a decent whisky with an inviting aroma, but the taste and finish may not match the initial excitement for some. It might lack the depth and complexity sought by certain whisky enthusiasts.

Unique aging: The Dalmore 12 is aged in ex-bourbon barrels and Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, creating a layered flavor profile.

Award-winning: It has received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 95 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

This review aims to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the whisky’s strengths and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Talisker 10: Smoky Delight

Nose: Smoke, pear, apple
Palate: Smoke, dried fruit, mineral notes
Finish: Long, pleasantly peppery
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Springbank 10

Intriguing Smoke: Talisker 10 opens with a smoky aroma, followed by hints of pear, apple, and iodine. The palate is creamy, offering a moderate smoky flavor that transitions to rich dried fruit sweetness. Notes of cereal, black pepper, and minerals add complexity.

Long, Warming Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering pepper, minerals, oak spice, and a touch of caramel. Those sensitive to pepper can add a touch of water to enhance sweetness and mellow the spice.

Well-Balanced: Talisker 10 is a creamy and full-flavored whisky with moderate peat. It’s not as smoky as some Islay malts, allowing other flavors to shine through.

For Peat Enthusiasts: While not suitable for beginners, Talisker 10 is an excellent choice for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a balanced combination of smoke, salt, pepper, and honeyed sweetness.

Award-Winning: