Scotch Review: Talisker Storm

I’ve been a fan of Talisker single malt scotch ever since my first taste of the Talisker 10 Year about a year and a half ago.  The Talisker Storm, released by Diageo in 2013, is a No Age Statement (NAS) bottling, so there’s less factually to know about this spirit.  What is immediately obvious about this bottling, however, is that it bears striking resemblance to the 10 year though with some important differences, mainly to do with a heightened strength and aggressiveness.

Bottling Specifics

  • ABV: 45.8%
  • Age: no age statement

Nose

On the nose for Talisker Storm are notes of pepper, smoke, honey, and banana.

Palate

Talisker Storm opens with a nice medium-bodied oaky sweetness. Mellow, with mild peat and slight saltiness. Gentle yet full flavored all at the same time. Some harshness betrays this is probably a younger spirit than the 10 year.

Finish

Very clean, warming, with a lingering sweetness.

Conclusion

Talisker Storm is, as one online commenter put it, like “a storm in a tea cup.”  Somehow mellow yet powerful at the same time.  I’m not sure I would take Storm over the 10 Year, but it’s certainly a good bottle to buy, especially since I’ve seen bottles of this product selling for around $50 at different shops in the city.
Matthias Clock: Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.