Another Sam’s Spirit Night tasting was the new Talisker release. The Talisker Distillery was built in 1830. Distillery bottlings began at 8 years and then later 10 years was deemed to be optimal aging (at 45.8% alcohol–hmmm is there some higher alcohol trend here?). Just recently Talisker (now under Diageo’s ownership) released an 18yo expression. It’s nose takes you to the distillery’s Isle of Skye. It has a seaside aroma combined with a little brown sugar–enchanting. The palette is smooth and sweet. Only here we get the gentle smoke. This is definitly the maturer brother–it’s restrained and refined. This is one of those ‘run, don’t walk’ to your nearest store and pick up a bottle . At $60 it’s practically a bargain. Dare I say that 18 is now the optimal Talisker age.