Talisker // Star-Crossed Whiskies

As a self-described whisky enthusiast (and certified single malt expert, per the Edinburgh Whisky Academy and the Scottish Qualifications Authority), it’s hard to say this: I found a single malt Scotch whisky that I do not like.

This is a new experience. There have always been certain bottles I prefer over others, and a few cheap blends I’d rather leave on the shelf. I don’t love most bourbons, and some American single malts are a bit too banana-y for me.

But never once have I poured a whisk(e)y back into the bottle.

Until I found Talisker.

My apologies to any offended Talisker stans. By all accounts, I SHOULD love it; if nothing else, I was led to the distillery by fate or fairies while traveling through Scotland last year. Pressed for time, I decided not to stop by, but my quest for Caora Dubh Coffee dropped me on Talisker’s doorstep (or, more accurately, across the parking lot) anyway.

Great coffee, by the way. Highly recommend. ☕️

And the problem isn’t the smoke and the peat or the medicinal brine that attacks your palate from all angles. I like that. I named my cat after that.

I just don’t like Talisker.

Talisker 10 to be exact. Or Storm. Or Skye. (I will give them due props for Port Ruighe; the port cask helps).

It wasn’t until after I returned home, armed with a bottled flight of the core range, that I discovered my dislike. They were poured with great anticipation into three separate glasses for nosing and tasting. But then I did the unthinkable, tipping the remains of each dram back into their tiny glass bottles and returning them to the whisky cabinet.

It was a low moment, an act akin to whisky heresy.

For months the bottles have waited, daring me to give them another try. Today is Whisky Wednesday, so why not?

And…nope. 😂

To me, they’re confused instead of complex, bold and messy. The 10 is okay until the finish, which comes back around with an overly peppery, salty punch. The Storm is like butter gone bad, creamy then angry. The Skye? Meh.

What does this mean? Nothing. Not every whisky is for every body! If you love it, drink it!