Last Updated on: 11th August 2024, 01:26 am
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.
Discover everything about the Talisker 8 in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Written by: J Highland
Talisker 8: Smoky Seaside Dram with a Price to Consider
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sea Breeze and Smoke in Perfect Harmony
Whisky expert Neil Coleman describes Talisker 8 as a “delightful whisky” with a sea-like aroma and flavor. The smokiness is present but well-balanced, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.
Smokier Than Talisker 10, But Not Overpowering
Compared to the classic Talisker 10 Year Old, the 8 year expression boasts a slightly more pronounced smokiness. However, it remains far less intense than whiskies known for their heavy peat character, like Lagavulin. This allows the drinker to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors in the Talisker 8.
Unique Flavor Profile: Aged in Refill Casks
The unique taste of Talisker 8 isn’t just from the distillation process. It’s also credited to the use of heavily peated refill casks during maturation. These casks are believed to act like a filter, removing harsh elements and impurities from the spirit. This contributes to the whisky’s fresh and vibrant character despite its relatively short aging period.
Enjoyable Dram, But Consider the Price
Neil Coleman thoroughly enjoyed the Talisker 8, praising its flavor profile and stylish packaging. However, he acknowledges the whisky’s higher price point, which might influence the value proposition for some consumers.
In Conclusion:
Talisker 8 offers a smoky and maritime taste experience with a well-balanced character. While some might find the price a bit steeper, it remains a delightful dram worth exploring for those who appreciate a touch of smoke alongside their sea breeze.
- Related: Discover the Best Talisker Scotch
- Learn more: Talisker 8 Review
What’s unique about it?
- This release is bottled at cask strength as it was not diluted before bottling; it comes at a 60% ABV (120 proof).
- Aged in heavily-peated refill casks.
- Legends Untold is the name of this particular release; the brand selected digital illustrator Ken Taylor to design the packaging.
How does it taste?
- Nose: Smoke, salt, seaweed, apple
- Palate: Caramel, smoke, salt, pepper, chocolate
- Finish: Smoke, citrus
- Alcohol content: 120 proof (60% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 8
The nose of Talisker 8 begins with a touch of smoke, accompanied by a mineral undertone, mingling with notes of seaweed and apple peel.
Upon tasting, the whisky grants a pleasing mouthfeel, as its body exhibits a creamy texture.
The flavor experience starts with gentle sweet smoke, transitioning into a stony mineral tone, complemented by hints of bitter chocolate and a touch of black pepper.
The finish is of medium to long length, offering a pleasantly warm sensation with subtle smoke, culminating in a citrus aftertaste.
When adding water, the pepper notes mellow, while an additional hint of caramel emerges, lending a sweetness to the overall profile.
Talisker 8 FAQ:
Here is a quick FAQ to address your doubts:
Is it smoky?
- Talisker 8 receives a rating of THREE on a 1 to 5 scale, indicating moderate and approachable whisky.
Alternatives
Lagavulin 8: A smoke bomb with intense smoke and peat, packed with caramel sweetness and offered at a better price point than Lagavulin 16.
Pricing Guide
- United States: $150
- Canada: $120
- Britain: £90
- Australia: $170
How to drink it?
- Add water: Tunes down the pepper and brings out additional caramel sweetness.
Alcohol content
- 120 proof (60% ABV)
Aging
- 8 Years
- Aged in heavily-peated refill casks.
Where is it made?
- Talisker is a distillery on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, in Carbost, Minginish Peninsula. .
- Owned by Diageo, it was founded by Hugh MacAskill in 1830.
Does it expire?
- Alcohol doesn’t expire.
- Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and consume it before the level drops to 25%.
How to store it?
- Store upright in a cool place, avoiding contact with the stopper and away from the sunlight.
How did I review Talisker 8?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Talisker 8: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 8 |
| Proof | 120 |
| ABV | 60% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | Yes |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | A bit |
| Peaty? | Yes |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |