I've only recently started enjoying luxury whiskys, it kind of started about two years ago with buying single-malt shots out of curiousity in upscale bars, which originally led me to purchase Bushmill's fine 16 year malt. However at this the same time (the same night I bought the Bush 16) a odd thing happened. I found my father was doing research on fine malt scotch and had brought home bottles of Springbank 10, Lagavulin 16, Glenmorangie Maderia Finish, Balvenie 15, and Talisker 10. I will probably review all of these in turn, however I'll just tell you now, I found Talisker to be wonderful, and my favorite of those (and it still stands as such). Therefore when I was in a specialty spirits retailer to get a gift for a friend's birthday and I happened upon this unique bottling of Talisker, I was intrigued, and the price was right for a gift of my own.

This Talisker comes in the typical "Talisker" box, but instead of a royal blue color, this one is chocolate brown. Of course the west coast of Scotland is embossed on the front with the Isle of Skye and the Talisker distillery notated in gold. Beyond the standard accoutrement this box proclaims that it is the "Distiller's Edition" and it was distilled in 1992 being bottled in 2005. As well it says that it is "double matured" in Amoroso Sherry wood casks.

Now regular editions of Talisker, even the 175th anniversary vatting, have a distinct flavour. Generally spicy, peppery, and peaty, with a taste of the sea - salty and "sea weedy". They generally have a sweet finish, especially when served with water or over ice.

This, however is a very special bottling.

Opening the bottle the vapours indicate something special. Once poured into an appropriate glass, a bouquet of sherry spice accompanies the Talisker nose. On tasting, all the distinctive thumb prints of the regular Talisker editions are there, but the extra aging in Amoroso sherry casks adds a wonderful dried-fruity sweetness to the nectar. As well there are traces of chocolate and toffee which dances with the spices and peppery peat of Talisker. The finish is long and sweet.

Now I'm not the best at describing these things, yet, but this is something special. If you like Talisker make sure you grab a bottle if you find one. It shouldn't run you much more than the normal 10 or 18 year bottling. You'll be very happy with this. In fact I may buy another bottle just to keep in reserve.

I rate it a 9 / 10.