Talisker is so esteemed a single malt that its name it’s not one of those distilleries known only among scotch enthusiasts, but instead is one of a handful that is known to casual whisky drinkers after the big pair of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. Part of the reason lies in the quality of Talisker’s whiskey, but part also stems from Talisker being the only distillery located on the fabled Isle of Skye. What has long set Talisker 10 Year Old apart in my mind is how it balances having big flavors not necessarily against themselves, but against it’s complexity. The single malt is easily among the most interesting and pleasurable in its youthful class.