On the nose, this one is not fooling around. It reminds me of the random one off Ardbegs that get released. They are different than the usual Ardbegs - but not necessarily better. I'm getting peaty sweet meaty bbq, smoke, char, some cinnamon, and a touch of tire rubber. I'm wondering if this is Laphroaig, but I'm not getting any medicinal band-aid or iodine. It doesn't feel too low of proof, but not too high either.
On the taste, I get a sweet mint, more of the bbq, jammy berries. The finish is minty and fruity up front, but then peppery in the back. This is really enjoyable and has a lot of things going on. Adding water, the nose is softer and minty, the taste is more minty, mint finish as well. Water really buries all the peat. It's different but not necessarily better with water.
I was a bit surprised by what this was...
I've had a Talisker Distiller Edition long ago, the 2015 version, and it wasn't anywhere near as rich as this one. I still have a sample of that one, and tried it side by side with this, and my memory was correct. The 2015 was good, this release from 2023 is outstanding. My only complaint might be that it is too sweet and too easy to drink - this would be better at 50% ABV or so, but that is reaching for something to complain about. Price was $80, I give this one a 4.25/5.0 - best of the bunch so far, cheers!
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