My first experience with the Talisker was very mundane, leaving me unimpressed. Possibly a bad batch of the 10, because every other sampling was quite the opposite, making me an avid fan of their briny, peated profile. And when a new expression caught my eye, I was inquisitive to see how this one would play out. Enter the Talisker Surge, a travel retail introduced in 2022 with its purple labelling and splash around the borders while still keeping to the standard bottle contours.

What seems a bit odd though is their differentiation in terms of maturation. Their Storm, Skye and the notoriously famous 10 are all matured in exbourbon barrels with only minor variations between them or at least that we know off. The Splurge is no different here, and is yet another bottling without an age statement. This, at first glance isn’t building confidence, nor does it make an impression, as there isn’t much innovation, at least from a consumer perspective. This however to me, is a great opportunity for the distiller to leverage and showcase their skills in building something that is still unique and invokes a genuine interest.

ABV : 45.8%

Eye : Amontillado sherry | Natural Colour, Non Chill filtered

Nose: Vanilla with the whiff of the sea, honey, hints of peat, black currents, and char; pepper, sundried tomatoes coupled with woody nuances.

Taste : Brine followed by a pleasant vanilla sweetness, peated notes with sherried influences – dried fruits, stone fruits followed by traces of caramel pudding. Spices such as ginger, subtle hints of heat, paired with toasted oak and ash.

Finish : Medium | A cupping sherried sweetness paired with maritime notes, wood and spice.  

The Surge welcomes you with a soft whiff of brine, coupled with sweetness and dried fruits.  There are hints of char, spices, smoke, wood and tropical nuances, all in all, exhibiting decent breadth and depth. The expression does come a wee bit short; but still a fun whisky that slots in as a great conversation starter amongst friends and family.

At around AUD $125, it does come dearer than the Talisker 10 but still holds worth. It may not be as charred or sweet as the Storm series, nor is it comparable to the 10 but sits somewhere in between – a well concocted spirit that holds ground.

At 45.8%, it isn’t harsh at all and can be sipped either neat or with half a teaspoon of water to numb down the strength.

Slainte!