The Talisker 8 Year Old “Tidal Churn” is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky, part of Diageo’s 2024 Special Releases collection. This limited edition is matured in stone-spun and re-toasted American oak casks, a unique process where barrels are filled with wet stones and rotated to polish away the char layer before re-toasting.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of cooking apples, warm bread, cider vinegar, rock pools, soot, pebbles, and crisp white wine. With water, sweet vanilla notes reminiscent of Snowball fondant or Fluff emerge.
• Palate: Smooth and creamy texture with flavors of vanilla syrup, sticky toffee sauce, baked apples, eucalyptus, and white pepper. A subtle ‘catch’ in the finish is characteristic of Talisker. Adding water introduces a fruity-sweet, almost tropical note, akin to pineapple.
• Finish: Long-lasting with lingering notes of spice and subtle sweetness.

Specifications:

• Age: 8 years
• ABV: 58.7% (117.4 proof)
• Cask Type: Stone-spun and re-toasted American oak casks
• Price: Approximately $105 USD

This expression showcases Talisker’s signature maritime character, with underlying flavors of pear, apple, seaweed, pepper, and spice.

The innovative cask treatment enhances the whisky’s complexity, making it a unique addition to any collection.

Availability is limited due to its special release status. For more information or to purchase, visit Talisker’s official website or select specialty retailers.

The Balvenie 14 Year Old ‘The Week of Peat’

Each year, for one week, The Balvenie distillery in Speyside, Scotland, produces a batch of peated malt, resulting in this unique 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky. ‘The Week of Peat’ showcases the distillery’s signature honeyed sweetness intertwined with delicate smoky notes. On the nose, it offers gentle sweet peat smoke, lighter floral notes, and delicate butterscotch honey. The palate is velvety and round, featuring flavors of vanilla, citrus, and subtle smokiness, leading to a lingering and balanced finish.

• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Age: 14 Years
• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• Tasting Notes:
  • Nose: Gentle sweet peat smoke, lighter floral notes, and delicate butterscotch honey.
  • Palate: Velvety and round with flavors of vanilla, citrus, and subtle smokiness.
  • Finish: Lingering and balanced with a gentle smoky aftertaste.
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 48.3%
• Volume: 700ml
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to release the intricate flavors.