Mature Taste of the Islay Offers Tremendous Value . . .
Written: Jul 06 '08 (Updated Jul 06 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 18 Year Old Maturity w/o 18 Year Old Price, Incredibly Unique/Strong Flavors, Great Gift
Cons: Not a Smooth Finish Like Talisker's Comparably Priced Younger Distiller's Edition
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Talisker 18 Yr. Single Malt Scotch, as it represents all the unique flavors of an Islay scotch with a mature finish, but at a value price.
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| lilviv's Full Review: Talisker 18 Year Old Isle of Skye Single Malt |
As I sit here, I am very happy that I can review for you the fine scotch I am enjoying as I write. This is one of the few scotches that I buy regularly.
Talisker is the only scotch distillery on the Isle of Skye, and it's flavors are distinctly that of an Islay single malt. Generally, this scotch is NOT for the inexperienced scotch drinker. It is a scotch for someone who likes strong flavors and knows that they like them. The very first thing anyone notices in the aroma and taste is that the scotch is just riddled with peat, but also has a slight sweetness. While not everyone can pick out all of the flavors Talisker lists, everyone picks up the sweetness and the peat.
PRICE: First, the price listed on the ePinions website when I wrote this review said $82.99 . . . but just the other day, I paid $53.06 for this scotch, the 750 mL Talisker 18 Year Islay scotch. While I may get a better deal than most at our local wholesaler, the price difference is not that different. Further, even the Distiller's Edition is listed on this website as cheaper, when it is in fact, more expensive.
VALUE: Judging "value" in a scotch is relatively difficult . . . because in the end, it comes right down to what you enjoy. But, very rarely are you able to buy an 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey from such a reputable distillery for under sixty dollars. This scotch makes an a great gift for a whiskey drinker without breaking the bank.
COMPETITION: While Caol Ila also has similar flavors, it is smoother . . . but a 12 Yr. Old Bottle of Caol Ila will cost more than this. It wouldn't make quite nice as a gift or fulfill the "scotch snob" in you. The other comparable scotch whiskey I think of when I think of this is the Lagavulin 16 Yr. But, again . . . this scotch is more expensive, and this one has even harsher flavors, but finishes smoother. None of the immediate competition provide the same value as the Talisker 18 Yr.
Another competitor I haven't quite mentioned is the Talisker Distiller's Edition. This, to me, is the only "negative" or "con" for this scotch. The Distiller's Edition is a few years younger than the 18 Yr., but it is unmistakingly better. It has the same flavors, but tastes and finishes smoother. It's more enjoyable, and it is only a few dollars more per bottle. It might not provide the same value as a gift, but if you are drinking this for yourself . . . the Distiller's Edition gets the nod over the 18 Yr.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lilviv
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Location: Carrollton, TX, USA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 3 members
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