Talisker and The House Greyjoy

Game of Thrones

House Greyjoy

Another review from this incredible series of whiskies paired to the Game of Thrones franchises, this time we play host to the house of Greyjoy and the Lords to the Iron Islands..

Just like the great legacy of Talisker which comes from the rugged Isle of Skye the Greyjoy family rule over the rugged iron Islands…

The Greyjoy’s lay claim to the Iron Islands through the age old tradition of Kingsmoot, this is a tradition where the captains of the longships would put their names forward to become the lords or King.. Once the names are in then the captain with the biggest following is basically named the successor.

Lord Balon Greyjoy has rejected his fathers ways and leads a rebellion against the Iron Throne and the Lannister’s before declaring  himself King of the Iron Isles.. His only surving son Theon was taken into care by the starks after Balon bent the knee to Robert in order to keep the throne on the Iron Islands.

Theon eventually returned home and attacked the home of the Starks and took command of Winterfell before getting captured and imprisoned.. Later to return and help the Stark family Theon and his sister Asha have a part to play still..

Talisker

Founded In 1830 the distillery has the capacity to produce 3.3 million litres of alcohol per year. With its long and illustrious history, Talisker is one of those distilleries that has a very loyal following and it’s not hard to understand why.. Producing a modestly peated whisky that is well known for the peppery heat rather than the all out Peat and smoke (medicinal) aroma more associated with the big Islay expressions the distillery certainly knows how to keep its followers happy..

With a rather impressive core range that includes the monstrous 10 year old, the impressive 8 year old released into the special releases, Port Ruighe with its Port finish and the mighty 57degrees North that packs a nice little slap round the chops and not forgetting the Distillers choice..

Talisker Select Reserve

Distillery.. Talisker

Region.. Islands ( Skye )

Age.. NAS

Abv.. 45.8%

Cask.. Ex Bourbon

This expression contains colouring.

Nose.. Very typically Talisker With the  Peppery note that mingles along with those dark chocolate , citrus peels, salted caramel and wood smoke aromas.

Palate.. A smack of pepper and chilli are instantly noticeable with a little citrus bitterness, chocolate and tobacco leaf all wrapped in the smokey wood char flavour.. A hint of the salty sea air and oily notes that are reminiscent of Talisker are easily found..

Finish.. Long and rugged spice with a twist of oak char

Thoughts.. This whisky seems to fit perfectly with the concept of representing the Greyjoy’s and the Iron Islands.. Rugged and rough in parts this whisky is everything you want from a Talisker..

There is a rough edge to this Talisker but I say that with the utmost respect and in a good way, this has plenty of character and a depth of aromas and flavours that will keep you interested for a long time..

Buy it before it’s too late.. Don’t hide it away on a shelf, get it cracked open and drink it.. You won’t regret it..