Talisker 10 vs Talisker Distiller’s Edition: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Talisker 10 vs Talisker Distiller’s Edition in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Talisker 10

Nose	Smoke, pear, apple
Palate	Smoke, dried fruit, mineral notes
Finish	Long and pleasantly peppery
Alcohol content	90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or add water
Similar to	Talisker Storm, Laphroaig 10

Talisker 10 is a perfect whisky for those who want smoke in their pour but want it restrained as this whisky is much lighter on the smoke than whiskies like Laphroaig or Ardbeg.

There is a fair amount of smoke on the nose at first, followed by hints of pear, apple and a bit of iodine.

On the palate, the Talisker 10 displays a creamy texture. Flavor offers a moderate hit of smoke at first, that quickly mellows out into rich dried fruit sweetness, with hints of cereal, black pepper and a mineral note.

The finish is long, with a satisfying warming peppery note and mineral finish with a bit of oak spice and caramel.

Adding a dash of water tunes-down the pepper, while releasing sweet notes, making it easier to sip.

Talisker 10 is a creamy and full flavored whisky. This is a peaty whisky but not as heavy as some of the Islay malts as it does not overpowers other flavors.

Talisker strikes a nice balance between smoke, salinity, peppery notes and honey-like sweetness.

Overall, Talisker 10 is not an entry-level single malt but it makes a solid option for true whisky aficionados that like peat in still moderate amounts in their drinks.

This is one of the best 10 year old spirits you can buy today!

There are a few facts worth knowing about this whisky:

• Aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

• Was rated Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast.

• Awarded with 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2013.

• Rated the “Editor’s Choice” by Whisky Magazine.

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.

Talisker Distiller’s Edition

Nose	Smoke, brine, raspberry
Palate	Ripe fruit, sherry, bacon, pepper
Finish	Medium, caramel, brine
Alcohol content	92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink	Add water
Similar to	Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition

Talisker Distiller’s Edition is the same malt as the 10 YO but finished for around 6 months in Amoroso casks. Amoroso is a Spanish dessert wine renowned for its delicious nutty taste.

The nose hits with smoke at first, followed by the signature brine note of Talisker Scotch whiskies, along a note of raspberry.

On the palate, the Talisker hits with a pleasant warming note up-front, that develops into a rich fruity note, with bacon-like hints coming behind, along sherry and the typical peppery note of Talisker.

The finish as a medium length, with hints of caramel, brine, a touch of smoke and the right amount of warmth to remind you that are drinking Scotch.

This malt is an excellent example of sherry finishing and good smoky whisky. Pretty great mix between the smoky peat, a pinch of sea salt and caramel.

Overall, the Talisker Distiller’s Edition achieves sherry depth along Talisker signature flavor delivering an excellent dram.

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Talisker:

• Aged for 10 years in traditional bourbon casks and then finished for around 6 months in Amoroso casks.

• Amoroso is a full-bodied, strong and heavy Sherry with dark brown color and a marked nutty taste.

• Talisker Distiller’s Edition earned a score of 96-100 points from Wine Enthusiast.

• Talisker distillery was founded in 1831, is an island single malt which distillery is located in Carbost on the Island of Skye.

Talisker 10 vs Distiller’s Edition: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Talisker 10	$70
Talisker Distiller’s Edition	$110

Talisker 10 vs Talisker Distiller’s Edition: Which is better?

Distiller’s is the fruity and polished version of the 10 YO

• Distiller’s Edition is a more refined version of the Talisker 10 by rounding off the rough edges but does not make it necessarily better.

• Both are delicious, Distiller’s serves better those consumers that like sweet drams while the 10 YO is a better dram for old-schoolers like me who prefer the traditional Island whisky profile.

• If you are fond of Speyside sherried whiskies such as Macallan and are looking to join the smoke bandwagon the Distiller’s Edition is definitely for you as you will find those sherry notes quite familiar while adding still moderat peat content.