Talisker THE WILD EXPLORADOR Special Release 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky ABV 59.7% 700ml

A golden-sweet glow sears through a current of smoke, with a splash of sea salt in its wake.

Finished in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny Port casks.

A surge of warmth rises through the current, radiating a sweet, charred undertone. The crash of sea-salt spray against the ship’s bow relights the fire of exploration in determined sailors. Against an unforgiving sea the caravel, an iconic Portuguese sea vessel, forges on, braving harsh elements to reach the farthest corners of the earth.

Exploring the harmony between grace and power, our Malt Master pays homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships, by finishing this supreme maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny port casks. Reigniting our own passion for exploration, this unusual combination of casks brings uncanny balance to a tumultuous Talisker.

Rich bright gold lights the fires of desire, while clear maritime notes of sea air carry hints of oyster shell, salt and sand dune on a spicy and peaty base. Surging through them come rich, sweet hints of white grape, dark fruit and dry tannin. In the mouth these characters merge as one creamy-smooth richly fruity taste, with waves of saltiness, smoke and spice crashing through the intense finish.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Mellow and drying, with a touch of spice once it settles down. The top notes are of sticky malt loaf with sultanas and dates as dried fruits lead the way, soon fading to become more maritime, with clean sea air, sea salt and sand dunes. Surging through this come mineral notes of chalk and a light, winey hint of macerated grape skins. At first, just a suggestion of peat smoke runs underneath, although the aroma becomes much smokier when water is added.

Palate

A creamy-smooth mouthfeel introduces a powerful taste with lightly sweet notes and hints of rich fruit. This soon becomes very salty, then intensely peppery and gunpowder smoky. The taste is almost as powerful with a good dash of water, which accentuates the saltiness.

Finish

 Long, finishing spicy with the trademark catch of chilli pepper, which tends here toward mouth-cooling Sichuan pepper.

PRODUCT SUMMARY