In terms of cask innovation, this Talisker 14 Year Old is one of the most interesting choices in the 2025 Special Releases. This whisky was finished in virgin American oak. The casks have been toasted by placing them over a cage with super-heated volcanic basalt rocks, sourced from a quarry on Skye. During this process the heat reaches 2000°C.
An interesting story, even though Dewar’s already applied stone toasting last year. Apparently French cooperages like Maison Moussié specialize in this process. Why they would have this tradition in France is unclear to me.
Talisker 14 Years ‘Molten Seas’ (53,9%, OB Special Releases 2025, toasted American oak finish)
Nose: a waft of vanilla, along with barbecued pineapple at first. Also bonfire smoke and liquorice roots. Then some prickly, peppery heat comes out, making it quite a bit tighter and narrow. Toasted hazelnuts, fresh parsnip and sea spray in the background. It becomes increasingly mineral and austere over time, making us yearn for more of that initial richness.
Mouth: quite powerful, with a pronounced charred side. A sharper style of peat smoke too. More liquorice and rooty notes, as well as savoury notes. Classic peppercorns and cold ashes, with brine and a green, herbal side, even a slightly bitter edge. Then burnt lemon peels, smoked seafood and subtle vanilla sweetness.
Finish: fairly long and drying, with more charred notes, peppery ashes and some savoury earthy hints.
Quite a mineral expression of Talisker, with a firm charred side. The scale tips over to the sharper volcanic side, making this an interesting experiment but not the most complex edition. Rather entertaining though. Already available from retailers like The Whisky Exchange for instance, as well as many local retailers.