Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky
45.8% ABV
$35 to $85 (prices on this seem to swing wildly – $35 at Binny’s and $85 at Total Wine)
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What the Distillery Says:
Talisker Storm offers the drinker Talisker’s full maritime majesty, all unfettered elemental power and confidence.
Appearance: Full gold.
Nose: Powerful, fresh-clean and growing in complexity like a gathering storm to reveal a sweet maltiness with ripe red berry fruit. Eventually well integrated mellow smoke drifts across the scene as a wild sea turns up briny, fresh clean notes, and an oily explosion of pepper.
Body: Medium.
Palate: At first mellow and rich in the mouth then quickly very spicy and increasingly stormy as the Talisker heat comes through. It’s as if the pure, tongue-coating sweetness joins hands with a deep nutty smokiness to embrace those spicier notes. The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added.
Finish: Drier and of medium-length, with a lasting, smooth aftertaste, in which light peaty burnt embers can be found.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Brine forward with a salty earthy feel. It’s a lot more peaty than it is smokey. If you’ve ever smelled dried peat as opposed to peat smoke you will know what I mean.
Palate: Over ripe fruit sweetness pushes forward with a smokey back. The salty sea air and rich dark earthiness fill in the edges.
Finish: Saltines and campfire ashes.
Comments: A very nice dram. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Depending on where you find this in terms of price (note the wide range) it could either really be worth it ($35), of moderate interest ($60), or of only passing interest to the Talisker enthusiast ($85). I don’t think that this brings new dimensions or depth to the Talisker stable. I would probably try it at a bar before buying it at higher prices unless you just love everything Talisker puts out.
Rating: Stands Out