New Talisker Whisky Debuts As Travel Retail Exclusive

Talisker has debuted a new Scotch single malt as a travel retail exclusive. Called Talisker Surge, it is said to offer “flashes of surging spice and rich honeyed berries lighting up the palate.”

Talisker Surge, according to those behind it, is a non age-statement expression that’s been finished in American Bourbon casks. This imparts what’s described as “a deliciously sweeter flavour. The extra layer of spice finishes this rich malt with subtle smokey profile, whilst still maintaining all the special maritime characteristics of this iconic coastal distillery.”

“Talisker Surge is made by the sea,” said Ewan Gunn, Senior Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador at Diageo, in a prepared statement, “from rugged coastlines and powerful storms, to warming sunbeams and soaring skies, the Isle of Skye powers through our veins and invigorates our souls.

Talisker has debuted a new Scotch single malt as a travel retail exclusive. Called Talisker Surge, it is said to offer “flashes of surging spice and rich honeyed berries lighting up the palate.” (image via Talisker)

“The spirit of that unique place is captured within this rich spiced whisky and immediately transports adventurous travellers to this amazing island.”

Talisker Surge is best enjoyed neat or with a raindrop of water. This whisky is bottled at an ABV of 45.8% and it will be available in key airports worldwide for £85/ €95/ $115 for a 70cl bottle. This includes key airports across Europe and the UK. It will then become available in APAC from October 2022 before launching in Australia in December 2022.

Official tasting notes are below.

Talisker Surge has an initial sweetness, with forest berries, Crème Brule, banana split, American cream soda and butterscotch. Soon the smoke of roasted pine nuts and hints of aromatic chilli begin to develop, and the intensity and power of this Scotch begins to shine through.

As with the nose, the palate begins gently, with immediate brioche sweetness and banoffee pie before a tropical note of tinned peaches. It’s not long before the true essence of Talisker emerges, with sweet maritime notes, fresh ginger zest and a crescendo of oak smoke and peppery spice.

On the finish it is the powerful notes that remain – hot chilli spice and cracked black pepper, fading into a waft of distant smoke from the embers of a beach bonfire with a final, faint hint of toasted marshmallow.