Review: Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve
The sixth expression under review from the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection is Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve, an NAS (No Age Statement) single malt Scotch whisky from the Talisker distillery, located on the shores of the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve Specifications:
- Spirit: Scotch.
- Classification: Single Malt.
- Region: Island (Highland).
- Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
- ABV: 45.8% (91.6 Proof).
- Cask Type: Matured in extra-charred and refill ex-bourbon casks.
- NCF (Non-Chill Filtered)? No.
- Natural Color? No.
- Price: $38.24 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Sweet and smoky. Brine and salinity. S’mores (milk chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers), red apples, and caramel.
- Palate: Medium bodied. Upon taking a sip, it’s immediately clear that this is sweeter and smokier than Talisker 10 Year Old, which I attribute in part to the usage of extra-charred casks. However, Talisker’s signature maritime quality still comes through with brininess and salinity upfront, followed by seaweed and a wet campfire/wood smoke. This is accompanied by an intense sweetness of S’mores and vanilla, followed by red apples, a touch of lemon, and a hint of black pepper.
- Finish: Medium-long. The sweet and smoky notes from the palate continue on through the finish, lingering for a while alongside notes of caramel, toffee, and oak.
Talisker Select Reserve reminds me of Talisker Dark Storm, an expression originally released for Global Travel Retail markets. Dark Storm was matured in heavily charred oak casks and was similarly sweeter and smokier than Talisker 10 Year Old, a whisky that has become a staple for me due to its exceptional balance between sweet, smoky, and maritime notes.
I only had one complaint with Talisker Dark Storm, and I find myself sharing the same complaint with Talisker Select Reserve: lack of balance. The brininess and salinity I expect are here, but the intense black peppercorn note that I love so much in Talisker 10 Year Old is practically being drowned out by the intense sweetness and smoke in Select Reserve.
If given a choice, I would be more likely to reach for Talisker 10 Year Old over Select Reserve. However, for times when I’m craving something sweeter, Talisker Select Reserve would make an excellent dessert dram, something to pour after a meal and enjoy by a cozy fire. Talisker Select Reserve has all the flavor of a S’mores treat, with none of the mess.
Rating: B- (80–82%).
A Second Opinion:
My cousin Jayson and I frequently participate in bottle splits and share samples of new releases. When possible, I’ll share his tasting notes alongside mine.
Jayson’s Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Classic Talisker. Smoky. Cherry smoke. Strong masculine cologne. Burnt caramel. Vanilla. Stewed apples with zest. Reminds me of church incense.
- Palate: Smoky and fruity. Burnt caramel. The smokiness and the fruit play nicely together. Vanilla and cream.
- Finish: Long. Continues with the caramel, vanilla and fruit. Adds peppers and wood chips.
Better than the Game of Thrones Clynelish, with the Game of Thrones Lagavulin left to go. Very well balanced and unmistakably Talisker. I like it better than the standard Talisker 10 Year Old and the NAS Skye/Storm/Dark Storm, but prefer the Distillers Edition. At under $40 (at least at release) this is a great value.
Jayson’s Rating: B- (80–82%).
1 Comment
I suggest you make a blend of Storm and Dark storm on which i received very positive respons. The one has the nose the other the taste.