It’s been a while since I reviewed a Talisker here on the blog, so if I may, I’d like to rectify that today. 

As regular readers of the blog will know, we like to cover all bases here at Great Drams, and that includes our reviews. I want whisky to be inclusive which is why I try to review affordable drams that are readily available. It’s also why our whiskies are so competitively priced as well. 

Occasionally, however, we do push the boat out and will look at rare and limited-edition whiskies that are on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. This would be one of those examples as today I’m looking at Talisker 27 Year Old Elements. 

This expression, originally released in 2022, was a distillery-only release, limited to just 2,000 bottles. It’s a homage to the ever-changing landscapes located on the Isle of Skye, and it’s one that’s proved to be hugely popular. 

Those of you who enjoy a limited-edition cask strength expression will not want to miss this. 

The Isle of Skye’s Oldest Working Distillery

Often, you tend to find that Island expressions are overlooked in favour of more widely recognised whisky regions such as Islay and Speyside. You’ve probably noticed that a fair few of the drams reviewed on the blog are Islay and Speyside expressions. Please do not think that that means I’m not a fan of Islands whisky because that’s not the case at all. Many of my favourite distilleries and drams come from some of Scotland’s most gorgeous islands. Talisker is certainly up there. 

Situated on the Isle of Skyle, along the shores of Loch Harport, and boasting some truly impressive views of the Cuillin Hills, proudly sits the Talisker Distillery. This is no ordinary distillery as it is the oldest working distillery located on Skye, and is responsible for some of the most famous drams in the world. 

The distillery, founded in 1830, has a fairly turbulent past as it was destroyed by a fire in 1960. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, though, it was meticulously rebuilt brick by brick, based upon the original plans. There were even replica stills constructed to ensure the distillery kept its original character and charm. Now owned by Diageo, it recently underwent a multi-million-pound investment project, opening its doors in 2022 and boasting a brand-new visitor centre and tasting experiences. 

If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself on the Isle of Skye, make sure you find the time to visit this fab distillery and sample some of the amazing drams they produce. Seriously, you won’t regret it. 

Talisker 27 Year Old Elements

I could sit here and talk to you all day about how stunning Skye is and how much I love the Talisker Distillery but I’ve a job to do. Namely, reviewing one of their most popular expressions in the form of Talisker Elements 27. 

Distilled nearly three decades ago on the Isle of Skye, this triple-matured cask strength whisky was a distillery-exclusive release that was limited to just 2,000 individually numbered bottles. Needless to say, it was, and still is, in very high demand and is extremely collectible. 

Talisker 27 Year Old Elements pays homage to the environment which helped to shape this wonderful whisky. It contains notes and flavours which represent the coastal climate and environment on Skye, and the different seasons of the year. 

At the time, the whisky could only be purchased from the distillery, and is still one of only two triple-distilled expressions from Talisker. It provides the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, maritime, fruity, and smoky, creating one of the most unique drams out there. 

This is a very exciting whisky, which reflects the harsh elements on Skye perfectly. If you like your whisky soft and subtle, this isn’t the dram for you. It’s every bit as dramatic as the maritime coastal winds which batter the weathered rocky landscapes on the shore during a harsh autumn storm. 

Aged and matured in three different casks: refill casks, intensely charred casks, and finally, in European oak casks, this cask strength dram boasts a fiery ABV of 58%, and is a deep walnut colour with amazing clarity.

On the nose, you immediately pick up that salty coastal influence, with waves of caramel and toffee. There’s a brininess to it which is balanced beautifully with scents of sweet vanilla oak, brown sugar, and dark chocolate coated ginger. There’s a whisper of charred oak here too. 

On the palate, there’s a distinct fruitiness. Dried apricots, figs, raisins, and prunes shine through with that first mouthful. These dried fruity flavours work in harmony with the salty, spicy, maritime notes imparted by the coastal air. Plump ripe summer berries and cherries then enter the fold, along with more salted caramel and honey flavours. There’s a spicy, peppery kick to finish, with a gentle woodiness. Not much smoke here.

The finish is lengthy, with a cloying, oily mouthfeel. For such a punchy cask strength, it’s actually deceptively smooth. There’s a distinct taste of fruity berries, chilli flavoured dark chocolate, and cinder toffee apple. There’s also a distinct pipe tobacco smokiness once you swallow that first gulp. This cuts through the sweet, spicy, fruity notes amazingly well. 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and be sure to take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.