First Impressions
Talisker 18 — named Best Single Malt Whisky in the World at the 2007 World Whiskies Awards. From Scotland's oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, established 1830 in Carbost. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, bottled at 45.8%. SIP Awards Platinum 2020.
The Price Debate
Diageo has raised the price from approximately £80 to £175 in recent years, drawing significant criticism. Whether the liquid justifies the new price is the question. The answer: the whisky hasn't changed. It's still extraordinary. But at £175, it faces competition from exceptional single malts at half the price.
Tasting
Restrained coastal smoke nose with ripe fruit — orange peel, apricot, peach. The palate is rich with sweet peat smoke, maritime salinity, and Talisker's signature pepper. The 18 years of maturation integrate everything beautifully — this is mature maritime elegance. The finish is long with warming pepper, toffee, and vanilla.
The Verdict
Talisker 18 earns an 8.5 — a benchmark mature Island malt and genuinely one of the finest 18-year-old single malts available. The integration of fruit, smoke, and pepper at this age is remarkable. The price increase is regrettable, but the liquid remains world-class. Best in the World for a reason.
