Talisker x Parley Wilder Seas Review
In-Depth Review
Over the last few years, it feels like Travel Retail has become an unpredictable place to buy whisky. The prices are consistently erratic, the selection varies wildly, and the Travel Retail exclusives that distilleries are putting out have been more than just hit and miss – many are just downright bad. So, when I had the chance to go abroad earlier this year, I was unsure if grabbing anything at duty-free would be worth the headache. But upon getting to the gate at Schiphol Airport after spending a few days in Amsterdam, I was inextricably drawn to the sirens call of duty-free.
Aisle upon aisle was filled with less than desirable bottles that either were too low in ABV or way too expensive. Eventually, I grabbed this beautiful bottle of Talisker x Parley Wilder Seas as a last hope. This limited edition has no age statement, a higher than typical ABV of 48.6%, is finished in French oak cognac casks, and was produced to help support Parley – a charitable organization dedicated to sustainability. For every bottle of Wilder Seas made, Talisker is donating £3 to support Parley’s sea forest preservation efforts. With a price around $80, I was a bit skeptical, but now that its home, let’s dive in and see if a NAS higher ABV Talisker is worth the extra cash!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 48.6%
Cask: Finished in French Oak, XO Cognac casks
MSRP: Around $80
Distillery Name: Talisker
Review Date: 10/4/24
Color: Light copper
Nose: The nose begins with a clean white smoke, green apples, honey, and smoked bacon. There’s a delicate grassy mineral note that reminds you of that classic Talisker character. It’s a fantastic, rich, sea breeze filled nose that everyone - even those wary of peat - could enjoy.
Palate: The palate continues with more sea smoke, green apple, and honey but throws in more grilled white fish, freshly cracked pepper and a deeper, richer vanilla. There is still plenty of clean peat that mingles with baked chocolate rye bread and the slightest hint of dark fruits. The mouthfeel is creamy, with a heat that builds as it moves to the finish. This is extremely well balanced.
Finish: Medium length finish with a building heat that brings Mexican hot chocolate, burnt oranges, and a slight lingering mint.
Final Thoughts: Talisker has hit it out of the park with Wilder Seas – creating something that is both familiar and so much richer than their standard 10-year-old offering. Wilder Seas is defined by a richer smoke, big green apples, and white cracked pepper that would appeal to any Talisker lover. Talisker 10 remains a lighter, fruitier, gentler dram, while Wilder Seas is exactly as the name suggests – a wilder expression of a non-age stated Talisker with more intensity and heat. The cognac influence is gentle and nuanced – likely providing some of that richness without going over the top with a wine-like influence. In a world of lackluster Travel Retail bottles, Talisker x Parley Wilder Seas is absolutely a bottle I’d recommend picking up next time you travel internationally.
