whisky review 361 - Talisker 10yo re-reviewed 2013

with variable comments on-line about the quality of Taliskers' recently I am reassured by the quality of what I found in this bottle. Should be un-chillfiltered though.
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.

[@Rikitocker]

Talisker 10 remains my favourite Whisky to date and I have tried many and have a broad collection ... I think it is sensational neat.

[@tp182j]

Ralfy, couldn't agree more in regards to the nostalgia with Scotch. Went to Talisker for my honeymoon with my wife. Each time I come back to Talisker, the taste, the smoke, the brine, always bring back to the early days of marriage. Love the review!

[@gtb08]

your first review, you mentioned "my 3 minute whisky reviews" in the opening! how far we've come. It went from informative reviews to a period of my evening where i can really sit down with a dram and enjoy your commentary. big fan thanks for all your videos!

[@brodybunter4453]

Just bought this Ralfy... and my first Glencairn glass. Was a great Malt Moment. Left me maltemplating.

[@speedrakk]

we love you ralfy. an inspiration to us all.

[@willemkilian9563]

Having my first Talisker 10 with this video now. Wonder how much it has changed over the last 7 years, not that I would know.

[@talisker58]

In spite of 45.8 % alcohol, the Talisker 10 is IMHO much more better without water! My mark 90 :)

[@MarkStark-dx9dm]

Greetings from Denmark. Tallisker Skye was my first Whisky, after deciding to get serious about starting a home bar. I like your reviews and find them very informative. I simply had to subscribe to your channel.

[@nashhome4064]

Coming from Horst channel as i poured a BIG dram. Both you guys are legends Tali 10 still is my go-to. I always have HP12, Bowmore 12, Arbeg 10, Talisker 10, Laphroaig QC and Coal Ila 12. This grouping for me is all I need. I add the Laphroaig 18yo, Lagavulin 16yo, Green Label, Island Green & Talisker Dark Storm for special occasions. Rare to find in my part of the world is Talisker DE & Talisker 18Yo, I have 200ml mini's (as opposed to the full 750ml). Also very very rare now is the Laph 18Yo which has been discontinued for some absurd reason. The Laph 18Yo is just simply in its own league though. I like viewing reviews. especially when I'm "pairing" the review on the telly and a glass in my hand at the same time :-)

[@Willumpie]

Great! Talisker 10 is my all time favorite. I just LOVE everything about that whisky, including the price! (about €28 here in the netherlands)

[@nadel2be]

Oh, I wish we still had the Talisker 12 yo (RIP), with Johnnie Walker striding across the top o' the label. Wonderfully unique iodiney, briny, oily and smokey. This 10 yo is quite tame compared to its older brother. Perhaps unfairly, I'd rate it 79 because I can remember...

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . how we remember the past glories ! . . . but time makes fools of us all and we must not regret what be appreciated so briefly, others were not so lucky.

[@Rikitocker]

Just bought a bottle of Tally 10 in the last few weeks Ralfy (late 2014) and it was nothing short of superb and easily one of my favourite Whiskies of all time. Quality of my bottle was top notch ... mine goes down neat.

[@timejiff]

Talisker is on your top 4 or five of your balanced tasting notes of scotch malt whiskeys, historically. Nice to see your honesty at giving Talisker 86 out of a hundred about the bottle reviewed.

[@BolgOfTheNorth]

There is another crucial factor which is your memory is not always as reliable as you think, you can build up a picture in your mind of what a certain whisky is like and over time your mind has a tendency to exaggerate it to something quite different from what you actually experienced.

[@PONKEYWAG]

think it's about time I got a bottle of this, seen so many good reviews, although Ralfy does the best review, you can always put your faith in a man with this great knowledge of whisky and you can tell the homework has been done in the absence of third of the contents of the bottle! Keep up the good work sir!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !

[@charliegao9930]

Thanks Ralfy. Enjoying a dram of Talisker while watching your videos on this cold winter's night.

[@pedroderos]

Ralfy, keep up the great reviews. I'm from Coleraine, but live on the Germany/Luxembourg border. Thanks to you (and Luxembourg prices) my collection is growing... Not long back from Feis Íle! Sláinte, a chara!

[@Malt454]

Talisker's coordinates are 57°18′10″N, 6°21′22″W - the cask strength, 57 North, is named for its North Latitude.

[@nerimadaikon5516]

My personal favorite scotch.

[@RadioLaboratory]

Hey Ralfy after 4 yrs of Investigative interaction with all facets of spirits (and life) I beleive you have now become "The most interesting man in the world" I've heard that when you pour a dram, the malt salutes you!! Interesting indeed! greatstuff Ralfy.

[@xDoubleZer00x]

Just bought a bottle of this, haven't tasted for a good 10years which is quite ironic seeing as its a 10yr old whiskey. I think it tastes divine.

[@Kraken0000]

Just discovered this brilliant wee gem of a channel. I tune in every time I've a new whisky to taste!

[@clank4001]

totally agree with 6:25. THat was my impression. The peat kicks off the tongue in a more pronounced fashion than Laphroaig, in my opinion. Excellent malt

[@johnv2681]

Ralfy - Thanks for everything.. you have really opened my eyes to the wonders of all things scotch whisky. I am so grateful we have your reviews- and personality- in one place, well documented, for whisky drinkers all over the world.. and many more to come. Keep up the good work, I know you will. Cheers

[@jrichardson6]

Ralfy u are like a hypnotist after a couple of minutes listening to you rambling on I enter whisky reverie☺️ I just bought a bottle of talisker Skye it wasn't much good tbh. So true what u said about medications some antidepressants make everything taste bland.

[@dennishibbins8610]

I removed the post you replied to because on reviewing it later, I realized that it came across as quite negative. I think you are spot on about Ralfy. He has become a Malt Mentor for a lot of us.

[@Markpaul9]

Ralphy really appreciate you re-reviewing some of the more common malts which are available... Although I enjoy your reviews of rare malts immensely, these ones are always the easiest to relate to you on and are my favourites.

[@slanjbo]

Based on personal differences and sometimes bottles being different or packaging etc changing, I have to say I've never had a bad bottle of this stuff, always a good value and I'm always satisfied. One of my top 5 go to's!

[@dennishibbins8610]

Had a go at this in the bar last night. I'm trying to sample as much as possible before buying anything. After a few sips, I could see why guys like this so much; rich and full of smoky/peaty flavor. But then it quickly overpowered me and sent me back to the nursery. It was a lot more than I could handle. Someday, but not today.

[@mtpylkka11]

And a great review once again Ralfy! There is no denying that our sense of taste and smell might change over time.

[@animalcinema]

Some very wonderful and profound moments in this review. So much to learn from your videos than just tasting notes. Thanks Ralfy!

[@vladimirgloukhov3569]

Well, Ralfy, let's be honest. Of course it is very interesting to know all the things about evaluation of our taste but is seems that the slide of 3-4 points is almost a consensus for Talisker now. I still have a bottle of old "edition" and it's really "once tasted never forgotten". When several weeks ago one guy from our club brough new version and gave it to us in a blind way from the flask noone could even imaging it was Talisker.

[@Mmagus]

Last week, while visiting France, we happened on Talisker 10 at an E.Leclerc market. When I saw the 29euro price I quickly compared it to the cost in the US (65$) .We'd wanted to try a bottle and figured this was a good opportunity. After arriving home we opened it and now wish we'd bought several! So, maltmates, if you're in France, hit the hypermarket and grab a bottle or five. ;-) Cheers.

[@SpydieFan]

Just did a Talisker Vertical, 10, Distiller Eddition 2005, 18, 175thAnniversary, and the 25yr. Very impressed all over, the 10yr held up quite well, although I think the 25yr was the pick of the bunch, although price considered the 10yr is the clear winner

[@notme123123]

OK, I wasn't first, but close. Ralfy, great review and even better commentary. I like your idea of stars. If I could suggest: 5 star = Go out and get this at any price 4 star = You should go search this out, recommended 3 star = Perfectly acceptable, but not life changing. 2 star = Wouldn't buy it again, but will finish bottle 1 star = Pour it out The "points out of 100" system is too specific and encourages ranking that isn't really appropriate.

[@outsiderdf]

Just bought and tried this. Before this, I had already tried Uigeadail, Laphroaig Cask Strength and Aberlour Abenadh which were all exceptional (cant pick a fav). Also bought Dalmore 12, which was crap today. This Talisker, in my opinion, is Scotland's Buffalo Trace, it doesn't blow you out of the water, but it has a lot of depth and peatiness. It is a perfect single malt to sip every day to get your Ardbeg Laphroaig fix without breaking the bank.

[@vafishinpa]

Great review Ralfy. When you mentioned changes in taste you forgot seasonal changes in yourself. Tastes and craving can change with the season... Not to mention temperature of the whisky changes too. Keep it up. If you do go to stars, please have some reference to numbers. ,

[@RadioLaboratory]

Hi Ralfy. same 4 bottles of T10 been on the same shelf all month at the local State Store here in USA. speaks volumes re. the declination of quality in today's mechanized spirit world.

[@verynice9726]

91/100 for me. Fantastic dram for the price.

[@Bonaboms]

i would like like to add that i would still watch your reviews whatever you choose to do..

[@PeatSmokey]

Great stuff Ralfy. Thought it was jus me!! Tho the pkg has improved the T10 has fallen off a tad!! Ralfy, Bad batches ARE negotiable. Go directly to the distiller! That's where u will get satisfaction, if not an explanation. A rescent purchase, an HP18 was foul. I emailed Gordon, the Master Blender and he agreed!! I rec'd a brand new HP18 w/an "attached Blue Ribbon" It was diff...twas the real deal!...Magnificent! Never hesitate maltmates, to contact the Distlry w/a "man on the street" concern!

[@johnzajac9849]

Apropos of the remarks about changing differences in the drinker and the effect the changes can have on the taste of a whisky is the true story of an American Civil War officer who said, after a terrible battle, that his whisky never tasted so good as after he had survived the terrible fighting. Emotions play a role in the perception of the taste of a whisky.

[@MrRogertje]

Love the reviews, your view and sharing the knowledge. I don't have a lot of brands that i bought and tried but Talisker 10 is one of my favorites, really love the soft taste and smokey aftertaste, hope to find other but similar brands. Thanks and cheers!

[@themaltbar]

Hi Ralfy. Criticism?...nostalgic? no no my friend. Your Vlogs reflect the common man, the man on the street and within the numerous intelligent and informed comments, we ALL get a heads up from maltemates who do genuinely care about quality (or lack of) 9 times out of 10 Ralfy your right there with us. It may be our maturing palettes but re. Quality, when 3 different people call it a horse, its time to get it fitted for a saddle. cheers

[@randmc1986]

I just bought a 2013 bottle and compared it to a somewhat older bottle from a few years earlier out of the Talisker gift set. I was hugely disappointed by the full bottle. It did not match the distinctive peppery, salty and smoked fish flavour profile that I immediately adored upon tasting from the gift set's 200cl bottle. Everything is still there somewhat, but the peppery notes seem muted and dulled, whereas some sweet and fruity notes have invaded the profile. The finish now fades to typical malty bitterness instead of lingering pepper tingling your throat. It's still an interesting whisky but far from the awesomely put together unique whisky that it used to be it seems...

[@68ChargeRT426H]

IMHO this is one of the finest single malts on the market. I really do believe that personal preference is what sets the bar once we have determined that we are drinking a quality product. (hardly earth shaking) in other words what one may give an 86 as opposed to a 91. Ralphy, I love your reviews but don't find the disparity in quality that you do in the past four years when it comes to this particular brand. Cheers!

[@borismorrison]

great review, and you are completely right, whisky isn't what it used to be, mainly thanks to the mass production..some of them are just the faint copies of what they once were

[@Malt454]

I agree, except that the problem isn't that they don't know their quality has slipped (they sample all the time) - it's that they DO know it's slipped but want to keep it quiet and coast on past quality and reputation. Don't let them do it. Call them on it, because unless they're dropping prices to compensate for lower quality (and forget about that), people are being ripped off.

[@cooksnj]

Very well put ralfy. I don't believe a distillery could produce the same tasting scotch year after year it's impossible that's what makes scotch so great.

[@BruceinFalkirk]

Good call. This review and reviews of Talisker Storm and Talisker Port Ruighe would be interesting to see.

[@ThePatrickeas]

You are awesome Ralfy..

[@Malt454]

I hate the idea of five stars, but agree your second point (calling out bad whiskies) is a far bigger issue. Only bad whiskies rip people off; good whiskies, whether people know about them or not, cannot harm anyone.

[@JohnGLewis1964]

So, I must withdraw the 93 pt. score for the Talisker 10. (Based on the whisky they produced 20 years ago.) And that.... was a conservative rating in itself! I always thought, granted the impressiveness of the Talisker 10 (once), that the Lagavulin 16 (which was the regular bottling) had an edge, and were the lead of the Island style malts. This shows with a relatively moderate aging effort what great whiskies can be produced! You gentlemen would be amazed at these two, 20 yrs. ago. JGL

[@FMichael1970]

My 1st try of Talisker 10 yr was from a 200ml bottle of a sampler pack (the other 2 were Lagavulin 16 yr, and Caol Ila 12 yr)...Wasn't a big fan, but was motivated by Ralfy's 1st review to give it another try (several months later - purchased a 750ml bottle), and I'm glad I did for it's now one of my favorites!

[@RadioLaboratory]

Spot on Ralfy... jus poped the cork on a fresh T10. agreed! Fresh wood, limestone rocks, mild honey and fruit. Vanilla and toffee does come 2 the foreground after sitting 10m. The peat is polite, almost secondary as it developes. more interwoven than a prime note. Its definitely not the big bruiser of yesteryear. more stylistic, fresh and by-the-numbers by 2days standards. Still a gooden tho maybe a pug, but no longer that Rockwieler. 85/100. cheers

[@INDYNOIR1]

Just sampled this one after trying the 18. This 10 has really got something! It's not luscious like the 18 but it's got some nice punch along with the delicious Talisker flavors found in the 18. Peppery for sure, and I love your jalepeno tasting note Ralfy. Also, very true about how the pallet based on situation and place in time really changes....last time I pulled out this Talisker 10 I wasn't so enthralled as tonight.

[@matthewn1805]

Talisker 10 YO is my favourite Whisky but I bought a bottle is a supermarket that was nothing like it should be (I opened it just after finishing my previous bottle), no smoke or peat & just like a harsh blended, I took it back for a refund, the shop insisted it could not be fake, but I bought another bottle elsewhere which was just as Talisker should be.

[@eldoking]

hello friend! just wanted to remind you that whisky reviews should never feel like a job. your enjoyment of a worthy dram comes first!! i can always wait for an honest review of an honest whisky, and if that means it comes after an episode of doctor who, orphan black, or copper, then so be it. i'll wait for it, and so will the many malt minding madmen who patiently wait for another cracking review by our hero of the manx bothy...

[@JoshD1001]

Sat watching this with a good measure of Talisker 10.

[@_Your_Mom.]

I'm only into peated whiskies, and this is the best whisky I've ever had. Although I've never had a whisky more expensive than this one. I give it a 90. I give Ardbeg 10 an 84, and I give Laphroaig 10 an 86. It's all about personal preference. I agree with Ralfy's score for Highland Park 12 though. I'm going to try Laphroaig Quarter cask next. I can't imagine it's better than Talisker 10, but we'll see I guess.

[@gummybearkiller1]

A genuine classic malt. My personal favourite(for now). Age it for 4-6 years more and bottle it unchillfiltered and uncolored, and it would be absolutely stunning i think. This and Caol Ila are two of the peated whiskys that are not fancy and hyped and just sold for theire solid-as-a-rock quality. Perhaps Bunnahabhain too? The rest of the Islay malt are overpriced and very hyped. Although for example Ardbeg is a great whisky, the hype and the price turns me off a bit.

[@themaltbar]

Hi Ralfy. Finally tried the "updated" T10 and I must agree its very good but yet very different from that of the old school bottlings of 2010/2011. Imagine the good old days being merely 3 or 4 years ago. Go figure. in place of that pickled mackerel fish note we get these very severe rock limestone mineral highlites in the development. yeah same but quite different. There's your flat-packing for ya. cheers

[@FMichael1970]

I must be honest...I've enjoyed a few Talisker 10 yr that were bottled in 2009/2010, and more recently 2013...Maybe it's me, or my bottles in particular, but I've found them all pretty consistent in terms of their flavor, and I've enjoyed them all quite a bit.

[@1keickhoff]

Another fantastic review Ralfy! Somehow, you always teach me something and provide a lot of perspective. Keep up the great work brother!

[@WEKS87]

Just now tried Talisker 10, probably the best I've tried.

[@lucalondon7199]

Just bought a bottle. Delicious! I would give it 88/100

[@WoutBoswinkel]

Agree with your experience. The old Talisker 10 was unique in it's clarity. Now it looks,smells and tastes darker.. More cask influence, sweeter, and less pepper, unfortunately. To my taste there's not so much difference anymore between the Distiller's Edition and this one. Pity.

[@jerryjasmont514]

I've had the gamut of single malts. This is, for me one of the most complex single malts I've ever had in this price range. This has become my go to dram. I'm partial to Islay whiskies, with Ardbeg 10 and Uigeadail being my favorites (I think the Uigeadail is the Lag 16 on steroids). But the Talkisker 10 is everything that's great in a single malt in one expression. Ralfy, you gave this an 89 in your first review, but yet you don't say what has changed. I still give it an 89.

[@Malt454]

I agree - you can get "well, it's pretty good" just about anywhere from just about anybody (just search whisky reviews on KZbin alone to be quickly underwhelmed). Five stars would be a dumbing down of the reviews, but there should also be more holding distilleries accountable - if Talisker went up to 93 no one would be talking about subjectivity and "all the factors involved" - the success would all be put at Talisker's door - just as the quality slide should be.

[@Malt454]

Yes, not to put quality slippage all at Diageo's door alone (it IS a larger phenomenon), but decreasing quality and increasing prices are not a great combination to promote any range claiming to be "The Classic Malts."

[@Billyorchardman]

Just had talisker again tonight. Worth a Re review as still quality dram. 90/100

[@Malt454]

Although they're far from the only offenders, I think the trend of "crank down the quality, crank up the PR" is the way Diageo is going - with them now even introducing NAS labels like Port Ruighe, Talisker Storm and Dark Storm, all a licence to reduce age, and quality, in the future without notice.

[@howheels]

I don't think you should change your rating system. I think whether you use stars or 1-10, colors of the rainbow or 80-95 is irrelevant, as long as you have a baseline and are consistent. I've come to expect a ralfy 80 to be 'good' and a ralfy 90 to be 'great', and I don't mind it staying that way. Besides, the malt mark score is really a minor detail. If it were so important, we wouldn't stick around to watch every minute of your very excellent whisky reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@PeatSmokey]

That's real darn close if not more to a years worth of reviews in four years Ralfy ( counting the pt1's,2's or flasherVlogs)...you know thats super stuff. "...we nail it down while we're young and when after we tell the tales, the experience of the journey sees us safely home..." keep-on the good fight Ralfy. Peace

[@mudsongs]

I like these re-reviews. I'm curious to see what you'd think of the latest bottling of Lagavulin 16. I know my approach to single malt whiskey has changed over the years. I appreciate certain single malts today that I never expected to like. My tastes change. But in the case of Lagavulin 16, compared to what I tasted even five years ago, IT has changed. The quality has dropped drastically judging from a 2012 bottling I have now. Weak peat. No complexity in the finish. Huge disappointment.

[@travisguide4516]

17:47 this is true and i like the take it or leave it attitude it really is up to the customer

[@BigBenjiBlue]

Hi Ralfy, Another great review! I really like the idea of using the start system. Keep up the good work!

[@themaltbar]

@maltmates. sadly we'r all in agreement as well re. Lag16s current thin diluted expression. that in itself is fairly bad but you couple it w/the exorbitant pricetag, the e150, the lower AbV, & the chill-filtration, all the flannel and hype fall away rather quickly. this exposes either flat tired casks or a "We don't care" attitude, take your pick. counting u guys,theres 5 of us here that'l be putting our fleeting $ to better use, like todays remarkably reliable Ardbeg10! cheers all. cheers Ralfy

[@dennishibbins8610]

Ralfy, I like this type of review system too as most people that follow you seem to be fairly new Scotch drinkers and are probably veiwing your vlogs for buying tips. Although the bottom two stars might put you in a position to give some whiskys a negative recommendation, which counter your philosophy of not reviewing anything below an 80/100 Whiskymark. I look forward to seeing if your system will be crafted or branded.

[@themaltbar]

Ralfy I've seen this time & again, this whole new approach in pricing vs contents/quality. Its been in gear for sometime w/ whisky being NOT the only industry where these "slick" marketing antics have become standard operating procedures. (cont.)

[@fredlabosch5164]

This video was upped on May 8, in 2013. Reviewed was a bottle with a label that was last issued in 2011. There was a rebranding done in late 2011/early 2012, which is the current label to be found now. Nuff said.

[@StevenCalwas]

A local spirits store recently closed and I was able to purchase an older bottle of Talisker 10 that had been hibernating in storage with the old plain blue box packaging. In a side-by-side comparison with a newly purchased Talisker 10 with the crashing waves packaging, the newer Talisker clearly suffers. The old 10yo is delicious, while the new 10yo is acidic with less flavor. Adding water and sodium bicarbonate to the new 10yo does not improve it. I would gladly purchase and enjoy the older 10yo on a regular basis. The current 10yo, however, gets elbowed out by more enjoyable malts.

[@billysgeo]

"gets elbowed out by more enjoyable malts"... please elaborate, what same-priced malts do you prefer?

[@StevenCalwas]

I buy and enjoy (in no particular order) Caol Ila 12, Ardbeg 10, Highland Park 12, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12, and for a bit more money, Lagavulin Distiller's Edition on a regular basis over the current Talisker 10.

[@mjanovec]

They are Glencairn whisky glasses. Google it and you'll find several options for buying. Or check on Amazon...that's where I got mine.

[@IlanDavid]

Ralfy is actually doing a great job reviewing malts in the low to mid budget range.

[@alleghenyadventures8561]

Not low budget anymore lol. Prices are insane compared to 9 years ago

[@spaceforcecommander9062]

Just tried thisband had to look up your review. Spot on as always.

[@Nikteloonie]

So many whiskies..so little time....and money for that matter :) Keep up the good work, Ralfy. Always find your videos enjoyable to watch.

[@Malt454]

I'd suggest trying two whiskies rated considerable scores apart and seeing if you find them different rather than leaving it to imagination. My concern with a star system is that it would be a big move toward jumbling everything together as just "good whisky"- which is an opinion I can get from any amateur, and don't need from an experienced taster. Ralfy's said he isn't here to make anyone's buying decisions for them. Money is an issue, but people have to get their own experience.

[@StevenCalwas]

Just found out that 45.8 ABV is equivalent to the old Imperial 40 measurement. Port Askaig bottlings also use that "old world" system. Seems like a marketing thing.

[@LordDennings]

Ralfy, please do not switch to the star system. Numbers better convey your impressions. Keep up the good work.

[@fauxtosell9875]

I am 23 and started drinking blended scotches when I was 21, not long after I started buying single malts, not as frequently however. So I am not very experienced yet in scotch tasting. Drinking Talisker 10 Year, I recognized peat and all those earthy flavors, but smoke was light as was fruit for me. I recognized some of the salt and a medicinal flavor. Talisker after drinking it three times is not a sweet but very earthy scotch and has a medicinal quality as well. The pepper is there too. The reviews I read now and again on different scotch always blow me away as people are so descriptive and sure of what they taste. Do we scotch drinkers get better at identifying the scents and flavors in our scotches over the years or am I just not a scotch taster LOL

[@rubbadubman]

I'm 22 and I started drinking blends and single malt whisky when I was 21 als well. I have the same problem but I think our taste evolves as we age. With age comes experience ofcourse. So when we get older we get to taste different things and thus we recognize more tastes in our spirits. But that's just what I think ;P

[@fauxtosell9875]

Thomas Wortelboer I agree. I think it's like anything else. If you like something and do it a lot you get better at doing it. With time I'm sure as we go through more bottles of the same scotches and new ones too those more subtle scents and flavors with be more easy to detect. :)

[@VoughtF4U1A]

Im 23 and started at 21 as well! My first single malt was Glenfiddich 15 which I just recently tried again. You certainly do grow with experience. I've found that having 1 or 2 malt mates to share a bottle with not only helps with the cost (which for college folk can be quite daunting) but also can help point out flavors you might have missed.

[@yermanoh]

my local tesco had this on special (get rid of it) offer for 35 euro. there was 1 bottle on the shelf for months now so i said il check it out, im not a fan of peated whiskeys but i hadnt had one in years so i thought things may have changed with my tastes...no... tastes like an ashtray and thats the only flavour im getting. pity. it wont be wasted im sure my brother will love it, oh well onwards and upwards ( he says while pouring out a drop of aberlour 12)

[@miserablerhurensohn]

The first time and only time I had Oban 14yo, it made me think of it being strained through dirty gym socks. I was just beginning my whisky journey back then so I just moved on. More recently I had the Oban 18yo. Really nice stuff. Makes me wonder if the 14 yo was just off or I wasn't educated enough to know what I was tasting back then.

[@yansales001]

Talisker 10yo was one of the first bottles I bought, and it still remains one of my favorites. By the way I see an Orval bottle in the background, how about a review of those formidable belgian beers, which you also appear to cherish? Cheers!

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Yes. Did you know that the Macallan 18 has increase four-fold since the early 1990's, until now, 2013? (...) Nothing is a substitute for time-matured aging, and quality of in initial product, no matter how much the money managers, the MBA graduates, and the Ivy league graduates will gainsay. I unfortunately think, from what I have initially learned, there is no forward, but backward, what with all people loving money and position these days. Thanks Malt 454; and cheers (with the old Scotch).

[@MichaelAyden]

I sometimes wonder how you get some of these scents and tastes. You may have been a blood-hound in a past life. I've tried a few different whiskies. Was a bit disappointed with a bottle of Glenlivet 15 year old that I bought myself for Christmas. But I keep coming back to the 10 year old Talisker so it's one of my favourites now. I love how it changes over time either being in the glass or stored for weeks in a bottle. Getting a bit more bang for my bucks it being % 45.

[@toddstevens6608]

Michael Ayden train your nose by spending lots of undistracted time nosing your spirit, and don't be afraid to experiment with the addition of water.

[@haveibeenheretolongbob8592]

I love this, the pure explanation of the contributing factors, of taste , outside of the bottle. Altitude , environment, it's all relevant , and may I contribute, how a person consumes sugary sweet foods too. smoking, and different diets can complicate the effect of taste on the palette. Smoking effects the nose, you can lose much of the subtlety, characterized within flavor spectrum. I wish I'd found u ten years ago pal.

[@dennishibbins8610]

I couldn't agree more about HP12. Magnificent!

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy. I think, that 45.8 - that's the coordinates on the map, where the distillery is located -45.8 degrees North latitude

[@Cypeq]

Ralfy I love that Caol Ila :3 with my first glass I find myself sniffing more than drinking and after over an hour with a dram I managed to pick out first strong fruitiness it's really lovely. But first impression OMG such overwhelming medicinal peat I can't imagine what monster Laphroaig has to be. This one feels like hundred black bottles in one whiff.

[@shuboy05]

Ralfy, have you considered a video explaining the differences between pot stills and column stills? I've actually been curious about why distilleries can't make single malt whisky in a column still besides the rules from the SWA of course.

[@ArtMorte]

Ralfy, I hope you don't abandon the out-of-a-hundred rating system. One-to-five star ratings are useless, imho, they tell so much less and a lot of people are interested in getting some more idea about the rated item through a rating system that leaves enough space for differences. The 5-star system does not.