Finally had Talisker 18

[talisker10]

I had saved enough pennies to splurge for a bottle of Talisker 18 yesterday.


It is so much more complex than the 10, so complex I can't even really discern all the flavors. It still has the peppery kick but it's more of a slow burn than a sharp kick. Elegant is the way I would describe it, very, very elegant.

I have to say though, that I prefer the Talisker 175th Anniversary to the 18, although it's real close. If I were to give numerical scores:

Talisker 10: 92 points
Talisker 175th Anniversary: 90 points
Talikser 18: 89 points

[pkt77242]

T10,
Glad to see that you enjoyed the Talisker 18. I agree it is the classy,more refined and sophisticated older sibling to the 10yo.

Sean

[evanstonwhisky]

I had saved enough pennies to splurge for a bottle of Talisker 18 yesterday.
It is so much more complex than the 10, so complex I can't even really discern all the flavors. It still has the peppery kick but it's more of a slow burn than a sharp kick. Elegant is the way I would describe it, very, very elegant.

Talisker 10: 92 points
Talisker 175th Anniversary: 90 points
Talikser 18: 89 points

How can you rate at 10 yr higher than an 18 yr?
Especially since you say 18 yr is more elegant and complex.
Aren't comparing 10yrs to 18yrs like comparing an apple to a mango? totally different, less everyday and direct, but more classy/complex?

[lancj1]

I had saved enough pennies to splurge for a bottle of Talisker 18 yesterday.



Talisker 10: 92 points

Talikser 18: 89 points

I guess it would be a real pain having to change your user name

[talisker10]

I did not make my self clear as to my reasoning. Yes, the 18 is very, very elegant and complex, but losing much of the fantastic kick of the 10 was a disappointment..and it's not like the 10 isn't simple. It's also a complex SMS. So the lack of a punch knocks the 18 down a bit in my book.

[dramtastic]

I did not make my self clear as to my reasoning. Yes, the 18 is very, very elegant and complex, but losing much of the fantastic kick of the 10 was a disappointment..and it's not like the 10 isn't simple. It's also a complex SMS. So the lack of a punch knocks the 18 down a bit in my book.

I for one agree with you, and considering the 18 costs double the price of the 10 here in Australia I have no real reason to buy the 18 apart from a change every now and again.

Talisker 18 AUD$150

Can also buy for AUD$100 or less.
Laga 16
Laph QC
Balvenie 15 SB
Glenlivet Nadurra
Longrow CV
Aberlour A'bunadh
Any of which IMO are the equal of or better than the Tali 18.

[talisker10]

I am lucky in that in Texas (at least at the Spec's in the Houston Metro area) the 18 is only about $5 more..($65 vs. $60). I can certainly see where the 18 would be superior to the 10 with food, but for just an evening dram..I'll stick to the 10. I also picked upa bottle of HP 12 for $33. That's an amazing bang for the buck. Great stuff as well.

[The Third Dram]

For me, the 10-year old Talisker represents (at its best, mind you) the epitome of an 'outdoor' whisky... one you'd be happy to have along for the 'ride' while playing a links course on a cool, blustery day.

But the 18-year old (once again, for me) is sheer brilliance!

[talisker10]

The 18 is a brilliant whisky no doubt. Guess I just slightly prefer the more outdoorsy profile. The reason I rated the 175th slightly ahead of the 18 is that it is even more complex than the 18, and slightly sweeter, but in a good way.

[talisker10]

"Laga 16
Laph QC
Balvenie 15 SB
Glenlivet Nadurra
Longrow CV
Aberlour A'bunadh
Any of which IMO are the equal of or better than the Tali 18.

dramtastic"

I haven't had the A'bunadh, or Longrow, or Balvenie 15SB, but I have had the Founder's Reserve. I would have to put the Laga 16 and Talisker 18 equal in my book, the Laph QC slightly ahead. I wasn't fond of the Nadurra