Stogie Spirits: Talisker Distillers Edition 1996
5 Apr 2011
Sometimes you see something and you have to try it. Such was the case during a recent visit to the local spirits store. I hadn’t planned on picking up any scotch, but decided to check out the scotch section to see if anything new had arrived.
When I saw a Talisker I hadn’t seen before, I knew I would be picking it up. Talisker, from the Isle of Skye, has long been a favorite of mine with it’s distinctive smokey and peaty flavors.
Talisker 1996 is a unique expression of the Talisker Single Malt. Distilled in 1996, after its normal aging it is finished in an Amroso sherry cask. Not inexpensive, though not extremely pricey by scotch standards, it sells for $80.
The scotch is a deep chestnut brown color. The nose is peaty with tar and fruit notes.
As is characteristic of Talisker, peaty and smokey flavors dominate. But underneath is an added sweet element, with rich dried fruit and toffee. The finish is long and spicy with a hint of chocolate.
All in all, this distinctive single malt is a new favorite of mine. With it’s double cask aging, it simultaneously has the classic salt water peat flavors I’ve come to expect and enjoy from Talisker coupled with a hint of sweetness that reminds me of a fine bourbon.
Not surprisingly, the Talisker Distillers Edition 1996 makes for an excellent pairing with a fine cigar. The rich but balanced flavors go well with a diverse group of premium smokes. Mild- to medium-bodied cigars like the Cuban H. Upmann No. 2 or the Berger & Argenti Entubar Natural work well. So do refined, full-bodied smokes like the Paul Garmirian Symphony Connoisseur or Tatuaje La Verite.
If you’re a fan of full, peaty scotches like Talisker or Laphroaig, I highly recommend picking up the Talisker Distillers Edition 1996, pouring yourself a few fingers neat, and lighting up your favorite cigar.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Patrick,
I really like your taste in Single Malt whiskeys.
Enjoy!
okay firstly its known as Whiskey, not scotch, call it scotch to a Scotsman and he will knock you spark out, Whiskey, yes, for that is what it is. Secondly as much as i enjoy glancing at your site I sometimes just loathe these pop up cigar websites run by 25 year olds making their own videos and reviews pages acting as if they have a gourmets pallet with a child's vocab, looking like they were dressed by their mothers whilst reviewing a luxury item. But among the worst you guys are the best.
@simon:
Here in America we call it "scotch". And apparently Talisker is OK with that, because they use the word "scotch" repeatedly on their own website.
Also, it would be a mistake to lump StogieGuys.com in with the "pop-up" cigar websites you reference. This one has published seven days a week for almost five years now, providing tons and tons of valuable content.
If you happen to disagree with the "palate" (sic) displayed here then try offering some specific, constructive criticism instead of hurling generalized insults.
That was constructive.
Simon-
The Scotch spell it "whisky" not Whiskey. As in "single malt Scotch whisky" (like it says on the front of a Talisker bottle.
Before lecturing others (or are you just a troll?) get your own facts straight.
Great scotch. Nice read.
Simon just needs to relax with a glass of whisky and a good smoke.
Stop the insanity! Every time you review a new Bourbon/Scotch/Whisky/Whiskey/Rum you force me to expand my already full cupboard./…why?!
thanks for claring that up ronnie
To rip into someone for no reason. Base your whole arguement on someone with a "child's vocab". And then misspell "whisky"? Thats pretty impressive.