Talisker The Distillers Edition 1989 1lt
100cl / 45.8%
£329.00
- Cask type: Sherry
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: Yes
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A vintage 13-year-old Skye single malt, double-matured in Amoroso sherry casks for profound sweetness and smoke.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Talisker Distillery / Isle of Skye, Scotland |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 13 Years / 1989 / 2002 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 45.8% ABV; 100cl (1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment | Double Matured: Ex-Bourbon primary, finished in Amoroso Sherry Casks |
| Natural Colour | No (Colouring added) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Chill-filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition; Approx. 2,000 bottles produced worldwide (70cl bottles cited in the source, specific 1L outturn unknown) |
| Intended channel | Global Travel Retail (Duty Free) |
| Packaging | Standard Talisker bottle, Distillers Edition tube/box. Code TD-S: 5DP |
Notes on discrepancies: The 100cl size confirms this is a Travel Retail bottling.
Historical Context
Talisker, established in 1830 on the shores of Loch Harport, remains the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Skye. As one of Diageo’s original 'Classic Malts' since the 1980s, the distillery is known for producing an intense, maritime, and peppery spirit. The Distillers Edition (DE) series was created as an annual limited release to demonstrate how a secondary maturation, or 'finishing,' could introduce complexity and nuance to the single malt.
The 1989 vintage, bottled in 2002, marks an early and highly regarded entry in the series. The critical decision for this vintage was the use of Amoroso sherry casks for the finishing period. Amoroso is a rich, medium-sweet style of sherry, perfectly suited to counterbalance Talisker’s aggressive smoke and brine. This strategic cask choice was crucial in transforming the spirit's profile from fiery to a harmonious balance of sweet and dry. The 1 Litre format is consistent with its intended distribution through the global premium travel retail market.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The 1989 Distillers Edition maintains Talisker’s characteristic bottling strength of 45.8% ABV, an unusual strength originally adopted to emphasize its smooth texture. It is chill-filtered and coloured, standard practices for the core Distillers Edition line. The technical code TD-S: 5DP uniquely identifies this batch and its specific cask maturation protocol.
Documented variants
This particular vintage is differentiated primarily by its volume. While a standard 70cl bottling exists, the 100cl (1 Litre) format confirms its origin in the duty-free travel retail sector. All variants share the 1989 distillation year, the 2002 bottling year (equating to approximately 13 years of age), and the distinctive Amoroso sherry finish.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 45.8% | 100cl (1 Litre) | Travel Retail | Larger capacity, high secondary value | High (Premium format rarity) |
| 45.8% | 70cl (70cl) | General Release | Standard bottling size | Medium-High (Excellent vintage quality) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authenticating the 1 Litre format involves confirming the volume stated on the label. The bottle should bear the batch code TD-S: 5DP on the label or packaging, confirming the specific Amoroso finish. As a single malt, the fill level should be high. The carton or tube is crucial for maintaining the label's condition and ensuring the bottle’s value. The presence of artificial colouring (E150a) is noted in this series.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The Talisker 1989 is classified as Single Malt Scotch Whisky, meaning it must be distilled from 100% malted barley and produced solely at the Talisker distillery. The term 'Double Matured' or 'Distillers Edition' refers to the regulated secondary maturation period in the distinct Amoroso sherry cask. The presence of colouring (E150a) and chill-filtration means it is not presented in its most natural state.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The 1989 vintage is highly acclaimed for its exceptional balance between the distillery's intense character and the cask’s sweetness.
Nose: A harmonious blend of pungent, ozone-fresh sea-air, briny seaweed, and sweet smoke, supported by milk chocolate, vanilla, and juicy dark fruits (cassis, black cherry).
Palate: Oily-smooth texture, starting smoky and briny. The sherry influence delivers a luscious sweetness with notes of roasted fig, date, black cherry, and plum. The usual Talisker pepper is present but softened and replaced by a slightly nutty, creamy character.
Finish: Long and powerful, defined by deep cocoa notes, magnificent vanilla, and lingering earthy peat. The conclusion often evokes sweet smoke, likened to BBQ grilled blackberries.
With water: Water brings out additional notes of salted caramel and roasty sweetness, aiding the balance of the spirit.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £329.00 (100cl/1 Litre).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £210.00 (June 2020, 1 Litre).
Pricing stratification: This vintage is one of the more desirable in the Distillers Edition series. The 1 Litre format consistently achieves higher prices due to its scarcity outside of travel retail channels, demonstrating robust appreciation potential.
FX note: Not stated by the producer.
Liquidity & sourcing note: High demand from specialized single malt and Talisker collectors. Velocity is strong, particularly for pristine bottles, cementing its status as a collector’s asset.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (UK) | Current | 100cl / 45.8% DE 1989 | £329.00 | Specialist vintage listing |
| Auction (UK) | Jun 2020 | 100cl / 45.8% DE 1989 | £210.00 | Hammer price |
| Retail (UK) | Current | 100cl / 45.8% DE 1990 | £350.00 | Comparable vintage pricing |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Talisker is celebrated for being a whisky of elemental power, known for its signature maritime character and peppery kick.1 The dedication to the 'Distillers Edition' series, including the highly strategic Amoroso sherry finish, demonstrates the distillery's commitment to exploring nuanced expressions that appeal to a wide spectrum of connoisseurs while remaining true to the island's robust style.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras to prefer: The Talisker 1989 Distillers Edition 1 Litre (TD-S: 5DP) in its original tube or box, confirming its provenance and optimal storage conditions.
Red flags to avoid: Any significant loss in fill level, as this suggests a compromised seal. Be aware that the liquid is chill-filtered and coloured, which should not affect price but confirms technical status.
Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Excellent fill level. Minimal wear to the box/tube is essential for realising top value.
