Whisky Review: Talisker 44-Year Forests of the Deep landed on my desk at 54.6% ABV, carrying a $4,700 price tag. With 44 years and finished in marine charred casks of age behind it, Here is what I found.
Nose
This is a golden color with a hint of amber to it. It really coats the glass creating very thick legs.
Palate
This smells like I am eating a smoked sea salt caramel while sitting next to the ocean. There is a little of a tropical fruit quality and the faintest bit of iodine under it all. This smells like a really good Talisker. The front of this is surprisingly clean for a Talisker, and free of the maritime quality. It has loads of sweetness on the front that brings to mind caramel and cotton candy. The mid palate is a huge transition and brings a lot more of the peated medicinal qualities. The finish isnt quite like anything I have had before hitting notes of banana and juicy tropical fruit, toffee, charred oak, white pepper, and a bit of salinity. The peated quality of it builds up over time leaving the finish more smokey with each sip.
Finish
Bottled at 54.6% ABV. Aged 44 years and finished in marine charred casks. SRP £3,800 (about $4,700 USD at time of writing) per 700ml bottle. Talisker 10-year-old is one of my go-tos, and Talisker Dark Storm is one of my favorite picks from duty free stores when traveling. It was a true treat to have tried Talisker Forests of the Deep. While the limited availability and price point put this well outside the realm of accessible; this is a fantastic expression of Talisker Single Malt Scotch that anyone who likes Talisker and has both the resources and opportunity should take the chance to taste.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: Talisker 44-Year Forests of the Deep is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $4,700, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
