Talisker Special Release 2023 | The Wild Explorador REVIEW

[@KnickKiller]

Your greatest thumbnail yet.

[@Gwhisky]

Pretty proud of this one. 🥃

[@peatbull3426]

Earthquake, glass...good to hear that Talisker did not disappointed 👍🤠🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@murgh]

You tell’em, G! Fight the power! And thanks for pointing me to the Parlay a while back.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah Parley is the sh*t. Glad you enjoy! 🥃

[@FABiOTiS]

I’m glad you’re alright, Geoff!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks man!

[@HenrikLassu-igenyteremtes]

Great video! You have convinced me to buy again … the Parley!

[@Gwhisky]

Yesss got a couple backups myself! 🥃

[@fefe2044]

Thank you for the review. I did a three way comparo against the 2022 and 2021 special releases (11 yr and 8yr respectively ) and I felt the 2023 coming short due to its rawness and the feeling that it was disjointed. My vote went for the 2022, as it was way more complex and rounded. Yeah, the 2023 is not a good value bottle at $140. I will not be hunting a 2024 version if the reviews come up bad.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

My local big box liquor store still has lots of the Explorador for $120 US. I’ll wait for the sale.

[@billh724]

Really enjoyed this dram. So far, I'm enjoying it more as it's been opened and mellowed out a little. That said, I wouldn't buy it again if I saw it out at the MSRP. I think I paid $129 USD. Like you said, cask strength talisker is right up my alley. But for the price I wouldn't buy it again. Although if I'm being honest, I'll probably still buy the 2024 special release. I'm a sucker for talisker and it sucks that it's getting worse. Still, enjoying what's in my glass though. Great review! I appreciate your channel

[@michaelwood3203]

Thank you Geoff. A few weeks ago I saw your review of the Parley. It came on offer so I bought a bottle. I think £49.99. Then it came on offer again. I indulged buying two for £45 each. Then Roy and Dramface gave it the thumbs up. The parley is great, and hearing your review and the price of the Special Release has made me feel very smug. So thank you.

[@coppullcaveman]

I was on the fence with the neck pour as it's very rich but it opens up really well. Good dram

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I heard about that Amazon sale in the UK. Absurd value for such a beautiful whisky. I'd be stocking up too! 🥃

[@user-vi9wx7sv2p]

Hi G! We have tried Oban, Clynelish and Roseisle '23 releases. Didn't find nothing really impressive. What it's crazy is the bumped price compering previously years, insane, I would say too much at list in Italy. Ciao!

[@plamengeorgiev2284]

It's good you're ok

[@Gwhisky]

Thank you!

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Good review - honest and with full disclosure! Thanks, that was quite interesting. I think I have to (re-) watch some of your older Talisker reviews!

[@gordonlalor]

Great review, Geoff. I got a 60ml sample of this, enough to get a sense of the whiskey, diageo will be getting as little of my cash as possible. I wish the 57 north was still available.

[@jeremiahsuryanto4342]

Oops, I bought this a few months ago when I was travelling but haven't tried it yet. I guess I should've buy the Surge instead, based on your review (taste-wise) but the design of the special releases are such an eye candy. I'd always be tempted to buy one for my own collection 😅

[@zoltanersik988]

Hi Geoff! I like your videos, I watched many of them. I find them very useful. Now I'm gonna buy Talisker 10 single malt scotch whisky. I really enjoyed the AnCnoc 12 scotch whisky! Very delicious dram.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the kind words! 🥃

[@joekeightley2287]

I just want to say how much i appreciate the work you put into getting out two solid reviews a week for us whisky sickos. Enjoyed this review over a warm cup of coffee as its morning where I am. Question is, were those your abs? 😂

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much for the kind words. As for the abs... Obviously mine. 😉🥃

[@ironmantran]

no go. . . Port Ruighe on market eons ago. Great vid. Yet to open the Glendullan.

[@raymondclayton136]

Costco and Total Wine in my market (Kansas City, MO), both have this for $95.

[@Gwhisky]

Good price!

[@Koby616]

I like port wine by itself. I don't know if it doesn't overpower whiskey. It seems like most of the time limited release is some kinda weird finish with a massive price tag. Glad to see you and your whiskey are ok, after the earthquake 😊 thanks for the video

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy. Yes all is well! 🥃

[@mormorgranat]

Great to know what you think of that. I might be able to stay away from it. I would like review on the Oban 11 as well. I thoroughly enjoy the Oban 12 CS Special Release

[@Gwhisky]

The Oban 11 will be reviewed soon! 🥃

[@jimreichel1466]

Nice review. I hope that you and your family/friends were unaffected by the earthquake that recently hit Taiwan. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

All is well with us. Appreciate you checking in. 🥃🙏

[@ramanb]

I bought this one too (as well as the 2023 Lagavulin) as I too am impulsive and have no self control. Glad to hear it’s palatable, but sad to hear that it’s not as great as other releases. I won’t be rushing to open it.

[@peathead4450]

Thanks for reviewing Geoff. Decent example of the high costs of the marketing department. The whisky?... nope, haven't tasted it and not first in line to do so. Slàinte mhath

[@johnlee750]

Just picked up a bottle from my local Costco for a whopping $45. I guess I lucked out!

[@Gwhisky]

That's an incredible price! Almost sounds like a mistake. Good find! 🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

The appeal is finding the Explorador's ab sweat influence amougnst the Talisker profile. Yeah, i will continue to pass on this. Still considering the surge at the 1L price of $100 Canucks Bucks. Awesome review as always man. Cheers 🥃

[@Lovemelikeareptile]

Always appreciate a review that doesn't come off as thinly veiled marketing. So many great options out there, why over pay for something meh. Glad I stumbled upon the wide world of whisk(e)y afficionados, opened my eyes to so many new options but not all of them will make the cut. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers! 🥃

[@kimoliver5848]

ty for testing so i can keep my money

[@JonathanRL98]

The glass😂 Great review.

[@agrainofmalt]

As you say, price goes up, age statement removed... not sure why most people would buy this one. That said, I really enjoyed the Roseisle 12! Bought a 200ml version, and now it's finished I may buy a full bottle. 😋

[@Gwhisky]

Gotta try the Roseisle!

[@justwhisky]

Cask strength offerings tend to fetch a premium these days… out of all the Diageo special releases the Taliskers are the best value comparatively. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

They're at the more affordable end, which is nice. Always decent, although not convinced by this year's. Cheers! 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Nice Geoff! Even though I've not tried this before I feel like this would be exactly my thoughts on this whisky. I'm with you on the shit talk yet still buy as well. I've found a way to purchase it for a whole group so it doesn't hurt as much as it used to at least. Cheers 🥃

[@christinecamley]

Great idea for purchases through a whisky club! I want my own bottle but I might recommend this Talisker for my whisky club! We just got the Ardbeg Traigh Bhan. I have one for my bar but we will also share a bottle as a club! Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah bottle clubs are the best. I have a group of friends that I split bottles with, and that goes a long way to alleviate some of the financial burden. Cheers! 🥃

[@coppullcaveman]

We have had a few "Natural Cask Strength" on the SR release which could be took a few different ways. Is it natural colour? Cask strength? Obviously they love the ambiguity of it which curiosity plays a massive part.

[@DrumondArt]

Geoff, it's Portuguese, since it's Port matured :P

[@Gwhisky]

Haha damn that's true. 🥃

[@christinecamley]

I admit I have to buy this Talisker and of course Lagavulin! Lol! What can I say?! I have my favourites?! I am bothered that the age statement was taken off. I am very intrigued with the white port cask finish. I am very curious. I love the ABV! Love your criticisms Geoff and I agree. Yet I admit I will still grab my favourites! I can't resist! Superb video! Thick, bold and loud sounds fabulous and briney peat! You got a terrific deal! Cheers! Have an awesome day! 🙂Re: 2023 Special Releases - I wouldn't buy another Lagavulin in a Tequila cask - I enjoyed the 2023 12 (is that a special release? - I think so!) but Tequila cask aging is not something I love. How about you Geoff? Be well!! 🙂Hey I joined the channel!!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah yeah I get suckered in with the Obans every year. The Taliskers, Lagas, and Clynelishes are also always very interesting to me, although I don't always pull the trigger on them. I'm hearing good things about the Roseisle 12 as well. As of tequila cask aging, I'm not convinced, although I have very little experience with tequila cask-matured whiskies. So far I've not been impressed, though. Just got back from a trip yesterday and saw that you joined. That's awesome! Thanks so much for all the wonderful support you send my way Christine. You're the best! 🥃

[@christinecamley]

@@Gwhisky Thanks so much Geoff! We agree! You are more disciplined with the trigger and whether to pull it! A couple of expressions always seem to appealing and exciting! Lol! I hope your trip was amazing! Happy to be a new member of the channel! Cheers! 🙂

[@tabray9567]

Yes. All we need is a beautiful or not, woman with a smile and lovely personality .

[@xxacidmv]

Great video, but that thumbnail *chef's kiss*

[@Gwhisky]

My finest work...

[@numanuma20]

After watching you and Phill, I decided to not buy anything from Deagio. I’ve decided not to buy any Scotch chill filtered or colored Should I not be so critical about Deagio? By the way, love your videos and humor.

[@ryanschroeder560]

Have you had the Lagavulin Offerman edition charred oak? It’s a favorite of mine and interested to hear your thoughts.

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly that one's not sold in Taiwan. I'd love to try it! 🥃

[@ryanschroeder560]

BS. Taiwan can watch parks and rec as well.

[@SimonneNZ]

Glad to see this post. Was worried about you after the earthquake. I don't think I will ever buy a Diageo special release. Based on many reviews I've seen they are poor value and there are better offerings out there. With more distilleries releasing cask strength versions and special cask finish editions at reasonable prices, being cask strength with a fancy cask finish is no longer a point of differentiation to warrant a hefty price tag. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

All is well after the quake, thanks for asking Simonne. As for the Diageo SRs, I totally agree. Even though they're often very good, rarely can they justify their price tags. Cheers. 🥃

[@jeremyapplegate4868]

Is it too much to ask for Compass Box "All Dat Port?"

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Hi Geoff, good review. I agree with you , it is a good whisky, but not that special. had a sample of it, and was not tempted to hunt for it.

[@umami0247]

The price issue is in every spirit offered today. At my age and where I’m at I’ve given up on buying overpriced bottles and now stick with the old stand by bottles. My splurge is Lagavulin 16. At 104 that’s as high as I’ll go and it may not be for long. Is this industry head for a collapse and major loss of some distilleries very possible. Enjoy!!

[@Gookrak]

These are eyewateringly expensive in my home country (EU, Hun).

[@Gwhisky]

Was in Hungary last summer. Some whiskies are well priced, but some are... Not. Diageo SRs are definitely way too expensive. 🥃

[@Gookrak]

@@Gwhisky Wow, you really know your way around! I'd have never imagined you are even aware of the existence of our country (if not for politics).

[@NeilImmortal]

Another Diageo bottle I do not need. The other Special Releases have since dropped by about 25%, so obviously selling well..... Sad to hear about the glass, hope you are insured and can replace that?

[@whatsthepoint170]

No self control…a trait common to whiskey enthusiasts 😂

[@markanderson8677]

I'd love to try the 18 but just can't get my hand to open my wallet when I can get an Arran 18 for less $

[@Gwhisky]

Hah understandable. 🥃

[@justinafuchs2619]

Don’t, Mark. I wouldn’t recommend you 0:12 buying the Talisker 18. I know it’s a quite controversial opinion, Erik Wait gave the 18 a really high score, and if I remember it correctly, Jeff liked it very much. I’m still wondering if Erik got a bottle from a “honey barrel”, because the last time I tried the Talisker 18, it was just a shadow of its former self. Still a competent whisky, sure. But Diageo did everything they could to castrate it. I my opinion, the whisky doesn’t mature in good, active casks. And I loved the old Talisker 18, I would still buy it for the current price, even when it was such a dirty move from Diageo to double the price. Talisker got such a unique, beautiful character, and it seems like you can’t make a really bad whisky from this great spirit, despite Diageo’s efforts to do so .. Drink what you like, and if you love Talisker, I get it. Personally, I don’t bother buying Talisker 10, 18 or Lagavulin 16. Talisker and Lagavulin were my first Single Malt loves, they brought me on my whisky journey. I still remember how great those whiskies once were ..

[@Phuiston]

If you live in Europe you can quite often get talisker 18 from online auctions for around 100 euros. Not cheap but better than the current retail price they ask..

[@busslayer4790]

Talisker missed the obvious celebrity collab opportunity to team up with Dora the Explorer.

[@bigleemac]

Great review but at £120 it can suck a bag of ducks..........

[@Gwhisky]

Ducking right. Prices on these have gone to shoot. 🥃

[@christian9387]

This only costs $85 in my market in Manila. Worth it for that price?

[@Gwhisky]

For that price of say it's quite fair! 🥃

[@christian9387]

@@Gwhisky Thanks!

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Talisker. I bought a the classic malts collection that had small bottles of Talisker, Lagavulin and Cragganmore. Needless to say, think I still have some of the Talisker. Had some with my father, and then with my brothers and sister’s husband. Three of had the same comment. “It tastes like a bandaid.”Pretty disgusting to be honest.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Yep thats peat its an aquired taste. I love it but its not for everyone

[@gareth630]

Unless I've got you're location wrong are you ok ?

[@Gwhisky]

All is well, thanks. Both me and my whisky are fine, thankfully. 🥃

[@McIntyresMalts]

Damn man you need to take some of that Patreon money and upgrade you whisky glass game, you're too big for this brother 😂 Hell, send me a postal address an I will spot you a glass 😉

[@Gwhisky]

Lol no shortage of glasses, but only one fancy one. Lets people know I'm posh, and better than them. Wouldn't dream of putting a regular Glencairn on camera anymore. 😉

[@McIntyresMalts]

@@Gwhisky 😂😂😂😂

[@jbar6284]

It's not Dora the Explorer?🙃

[@McIntyresMalts]

Is it just me or do these special releases seem to decline year on year?

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah. Rumour is they're going to calm it down with some of the prices this year. Believe it when I see it. 🥃

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Hi . Need your help. My son is busy doing his masters degree on social media and on KZbin. He needs to interview a lot of people with some basic questions. Interview last about 30 minutes. Would you be interested? Regards. Gert

[@Gwhisky]

Hi Gert. That might be possible. It would depend on when. I believe there's a 6 hour time difference between us that we'd have to consider. Regardless, I'd be willing to help. Perhaps you could reach out via email? 🥃

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

@@Gwhisky can you send me your email.

[@gordonhall9943]

no pun on sticking around? i am disappointed. lol

[@Gwhisky]

Missed opportunity. 🥃

[@wouterblom7569]

Hi Geoff, I must be one of those purists. Luckily you became more negative towards the end of the video, but in my view you started off way too positive. Me, I find this very disappointing and not even worth the $100 you paid. It is the worst of the Talisker SR’s so far, even worse than the rum finish 8yo of a few years ago. I gave it 84 out of respect for the Talisker distillate (which I love), but I feel the whisky would already be a lot better without these uncomplimentary (is that a word?) Port finishes. I have to admit, I also loathe the Port Ruighe. Shame on Talisker and shame on Diageo for putting out this crap from such wonderful distilleries!

[@Gwhisky]

I like it, but I don't love it. For $100 I'm happy to have it once but I certainly wont replace it, nor would I ever pay anything more than that. For me the casks weren't the problem here, as they aren't over the top. Like you I'm not a fan of the Port Ruighe, but this is much better in my book. I simply find the overall structure a bit bland. Youngish, not a lot going on, with the Talisker distillate and the fact that it's cask strength pulling most of the weight. Enjoyable enough, but a not-very-special special release. Cheers buddy!