This official Talisker release was selected by the Thompson Brothers for Dornoch Castle. It stayed for 4 months in a second-fill Port seasoned hogshead before bringing it down to 100 Imperial proof.
Talisker 15 yo (57,1%, OB for Dornoch Castle 2026, refill American oak hogshead + second-fill Port finish, 240 btl.)
Nose: classic Talisker nose with seaweed and minerals, along with salty sea spray and mild pepper. Hints of wet hay and herbs, walnuts and earthy smoke, which strengthens with a drop of water. Then pears and lemons with a subtle vanilla undertone. Subtle hints of burnt toast. In the distance there could be a red berry note but that may be our imagination – the Port is hardly noticeable.
Mouth: a nice mix of sweetness, smokiness and coastalness. Some rubbed lemons and salted caramel, mineral smoke and wet limestone, black pepper and just a little brown sugar. Then savoury, earthy smoke, subtle brine, a little grapefruit and cold Lapsang tea. Some spicy oak as well (ginger), adding some heat. Still no obvious Port involved, we’re safe.
Finish: long, very peppery, even a little medicinal, with a smokiness and faint herbal bitterness.
Overall a good, punchy Talisker. It has all the right markers and the Port influence is fairly anecdotal – just as we like it. You had to be a member of the Dornoch Castle Whisky Club to acquire a bottle.