Talisker Storm was released in early 2013 as a no age statement whisky, which was matured in specifically selected refill and toasted American oak casks. An intense and vibrant dram, the Storm offers up plenty of distillery character alongside some smokier depth and complexity.
With a classic Talisker profile, a depth of beautiful flavours and a very reasonable price point, this is an ideal single malt for those thinking of exploring malts from the Scottish islands.
Initial brine, but not as abrupt as the 10 Year Old, quite creamy by comparison. Banana. Banana angel delight? Window putty, hint of sticking plasters and barbecues, citrus. White pepper develops towards the bottom of the glass.
Thick and mouth-coating with wood smoke, brine, some tin and chilli heat too.
Red chilli peppers and oak dryness with a hint of embers.
A welcome addition to the Talisker range, and probably the smokiest whisky to be produced on the Isle of Skye.
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When first smelled I thought it had an Anise type smell to it. Taste ended up being different than the smell. Had a peat mossy smoke taste with a good earthy flavor. Really smooth and easy. Quite a nice little dram. I did not try it with drops of water like the bartender suggested.
My goodness this one doesn't muck about! I really can't tell how old this might be. It certainly doesn't taste thin, or harsh except in the ways it is obviously supposed to. My suspicion is that this one has been released at 6.5-8 years old, just enough time to let the harshness subside, with the emphatic flavouring being tasked to provide both body and a touch of concealment, but the management decided not to trap themselves in that maturity, so one year it might be 6.5, another 8, another who knows? I suspect that some years from now we will all be lamenting the old Talisker Storm, as stocks of well-matured spirit dwindle, but since this is an acquired taste, I believe it might hold on for longer than most. Comparing this full, emphatic dram to the new anaemic and insulting NAS Glenlivet shows just how much integrity Talisker still have. I wonder if they have been fortunate enough NOT to be landed with a new Marketing wizzkid? Anyway, this is a dram to take one's time on. Salt, medicine, a touch of lemon and peat smoke. Great to complete a meal in which stout white fish has featured. One thing does show its youth: the palate, while strong and characterful, does not have that all-encompassing "Whoof" of torque which comes from a big hitter at its fighting weight. but to even be discussing that aspect of such an affordable whisky shows how good it is. Talisker are to roundly applauded for releasing such a Maltman's malt.
Thin coatline. Legs slow to run, oily and waxy. Nose - Not getting any briney notes. Always thought Talisker casks were matured mostly in the central belt far from the maritime influence of the islands. Nose changes to pepper with time. Orange and vanilla, honey, sticking plaster, bonfire and of course smoke. Palate - spicey initially, smokey vanilla, caramel, candy, coconut in the background. Finish - long, smokey, chilli, quite dry.
I've really enjoyed the Talisker 10, but it currently costs >70$ US at my local shop. Talisker Storm was on sale for <40$ US so I decided to give it a try. It has the bold richness, a biscuity sweetness, a bit of ocean brine, and of course the strong peat smoke that I associate with the Talisker 10. I don't think this whisky suffers from the lack of an age statement. I enjoy this a lot, and with prices for fine peated whiskies continuing to climb I could see this as an excellent go to option. As always, peated whiskies can be an assault on the senses for the uninitiated, but if you know what you're in for or have an adventurous palette I think this is a good choice.
Smokier than Highland and more affordable.
