Talisker 1957 Gordon & MacPhail Black Label, Golden Eagle, Printed in Red Bottled In 1970's 40% 1957

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (89)

Colour: amber.

Nose: an unusual amount of smoke for such an old bottle, as well as a lot of leather and ‘a sherriness’. Goes on with more and more meaty notes and more and more peat as well, before it gets frankly herbal, with a lot of parsley (like often with these old gems) and lovage, even whiffs of balsamico. Did they peat balsamico at the time? Also quite some green mustard. In short, this baby is unexpectedly potent but it has to be said that the bottle was in a perfect shape when it was opened. Just tiny-wee whiffs of soap coming through after fifteen minutes.

Mouth: obvious OBE now, with a blend of sweet mustard, leather and white pepper as well as quite some salt right from the start. Actually, it gets saltier and saltier, with good pepper and juts hints of bitter chocolate. Incredible how this one is salty! Some shoe polish as well, liquorice, pine resin…

Finish: medium long but as salty as, err, salt. Salmiak? Dry.

Comments: really extreme in its saltiness, it is to be wondered if a few pinches of salt weren’t added to these lovely casks. Spectacular but you really have to like, eh, salt! Little fruits or other sweet elements