Talisker Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Skye is a new addition to the range as of 2015, named after the beautiful island on which the distillery resides. It follows in the footsteps of an increasing number of distilleries now offering NAS (No Age Statement) bottlings. Matured in a combination of refill and toasted American oak, with a slightly higher proportion of the latter, by all reports, this is a toned down and highly accessible Talisker with a slightly sweet edge. 45.8% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Gorgeously salivating with concentrated, sharp barley; the peat is now more muffled and then vanishes under the toffee. Has some sublime moments on the nose and delivery but eventually vanishes under the weight of the unforgiving caramel. 89 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024

...The latest release from Talisker is an NAS bottling which contains whisky matured in toasted and refill American oak casks. According to the distiller, this is “An easy-drinking Talisker…more approachable, but still definitely Talisker.” Certainly approachable on the nose, with tangerines, honey, and milk chocolate, before ozone and peat smoke develop. Ginger and a hint of coal tar. Medium-bodied, with citrus fruit and increasingly hot spices, though never overwhelming. Spicy peat, white pepper, and aniseed in a nutty finish. 84 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...I have to say the first batches, around 2014 or 2015, did not quite convince me but as they say in rock and roll, you sometimes need tough love… Colour: light gold. Nose: it’s nice-ish, it’s just not very complex, although, could be that they improved the recipe, I’m not too sure. I find less of the straight coconut-and-vanilla elements this time, and more tin, concrete, menthol, camphor and green pepper. Mouth: the oak feels, there’s a drying bitterness, then salt and lemon peel. I find it tough, and god knows I love the 10yo, which shouldn’t be that older. The oak gets louder (sawdust). Finish: medium, gritty and drying. Needs polishing. The aftertaste is a little nicer, read more on smoked brine, but that’s a little late. Comments: duties done, can we have the new 31 Prima & Ultima now? Seriously, there are only two Taliskers which I don’t like a lot, Skye and Port Ruighe. All the others, from Storm to the oldest glories, I really like or love a lot. 77 points - whiskyfun.com