Talisker Dark Storm

First came Storm. Now there's Dark Storm. It took me a considerable time to obtain a sample of Dark Storm. I understand this is a highly sought-after bottling, originally released as a TRE. However, I'm quite uncertain how it differs from Storm. All I've gathered is that Dark Storm utilizes heavily charred barrels, but that's supposedly characteristic of Storm, which is a blend of old and young whisky finished in re-charred barrels. Hmm, perhaps then, Dark Storm refers to "the peatiest whisky Talker produces". Nose: Immediately hits with the good stuff… rich, deep, and evocative. Earthy and slightly mineral undertones reveal an unfolding smoke with a hint of oiliness and a touch of floral intrigue. A peppery and slightly tannic prickle is interesting and mingles with slightly sweet pear and emerging charred BBQ remnants. A storm is indeed brewing… Palate: Coats the mouth and is full-bodied with a slight oiliness that firmly holds the palate. The smoke is wonderfully enveloping, warm, and powerful with red chili, briny oysters, a hint of iodine or band-aids. This substantial entry is supported by a fruity berry sweetness, honeyed malt, preserved lemon peel(?), and gentle tannic spice. Finish: Long and evolving. The bonfire remains present against a backdrop of briny sea spray and strikes with cracked pepper to chili heat, some toasted malt, a somewhat astringent tannic toffee, and bright fruity notes. This finish continues to deliver. Someone suggested to me that Dark Storm is a good alternative to the 2021 8-year-old Sea Fury special edition. So, I decided to retrieve my notes and pour a measure of the Sea Fury alongside the Dark Storm. I can concur there's overlap, particularly in the nose, but this Dark Storm is quite distinct. Here, the combination of heavy char imparts a toasty depth that comes across as honeyed malt and a thicker smokiness, but it doesn't possess the same depth and power as the Sea Fury and lacks its more obvious vanillin. The Sea Fury boasts a hefty nearly 60% ABV, while the Dark Storm comes in at the standard Talisker 45.8% ABV, making the comparison inherently unfair from the outset. Nevertheless, this Dark Storm performs admirably. The lift of the sweet fruity notes and the delicacy of the smoke, despite its significant presence, are very well executed. The Storm was unnecessary; it was the calm before the true (Dark) Storm. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Sea Fury to attend to beneath the Dark Storm's waves… Price is for a 1000 ml bottle. [Pictured here with a collection of sapphirine schists from southern Madagascar. That's sapphirine, not sapphire. Sapphirine is far superior. Approximately 560-530 million years ago, Madagascar was caught in the formation of the Gondwanan supercontinent and the closing of the Mozambique Ocean. Essentially, Madagascar was compressed between India to the east and East Africa to the west. During this period, oceanic sediments dating back about 720 million years underwent metamorphism at ultra-high temperatures of 800-1000 degrees C at depths of 25-35 km; the result is these spectacular rocks.] Talisker running scores: T10: 4/5 T18: 4.75/5 T8 2021 Special Release: 4.5/5 Skye: 3.25/5 Port Ruighe: 2.75/3 Storm: 3.5/5 Dark Storm: 4.25/5 57 North: 4.25/5 X Parley Wilder Seas: 4.25/5

This is supposedly the Talisker with the most intense peat level that isn’t cask strength. The nose might suggest that. You can't expect Islay-level peat, but for a Talisker, it indeed has a prominent peat. However, there's also a lingering sweetness right from the start. In fact, it somewhat resembles Highland Park, but smoother. The nose is very pleasant - not too strong, not too weak - it comes across as well-balanced. It has notes of old sour apples, pumpkin spice, and vanilla scones with custard - but all in harmony with the dominant peat note. On the palate, the peat is right at the forefront. Surprisingly cool, while the nose promised a certain smoothness. Similar to cold ash. Also citrus fruits and spiced breadsticks. The finish remains smoky and peaty. Cool and dry. But very spicy with a fitting, nice smoked chili warmth. Yet, the enjoyment decreases towards the end, and ultimately, it's the downside of this whisky, so much so that it affects the rating. Adding water releases more tannins on the palate, making it slightly bitter. The finish becomes more intense with increased sharpness and burn. It's interesting and robust but a bit too hot and bitter. The nose is slightly better than the palate and finish.

Nose: Peat (not cigarette smoke, more like the pungent peat of Johnnie Walker Red). Vanilla cream. Mountain forest (eucalyptus perhaps?). A hint of citrus, which turned out to be orange after adding water. Dark purple grapes. A very, very potent dram, quite unlike Skye. It has strong woody notes, old wood, fire, smoke, and a bitter sensation. It's very powerful, with a finish that isn't entirely pleasant but is long and intense. Oakiness and plenty of spices. Full-bodied. I needed to add a few drops of water to discover more flavors and to finish it. It's almost what we call a "PURO" in Ecuador, which is straight alcohol. Despite having no alcohol aroma or taste, its intensity (45.8% ABV) makes it feel like a "puro." It's similar to Skye but smoother and more pleasant. Dark Storm is an apt name; it feels like a fierce storm at sea, quite frightening. Update: Added water. The flavor is the same, but more spices emerge, making it much more enjoyable. Caramel also appeared. The finish remains powerful. 90 out of 100.

Nose: Peat followed by black pepper and red chilies, with sweet honey and fruits hidden within. Palate: The heavily charred cask enhances the peat and the strong spiciness of black pepper and red chilies, followed by honey sweetness and peat. A long finish with continuing spiciness. I suggest letting an opened bottle sit for a week or more before tasting. I believe the malt truly settles and becomes more balanced and smooth.

Delicious whisky, with a pleasant smoky scent. Not particularly alcoholic. The aftertaste is also strong, but doesn't linger as long as Talisker Storm, likely due to the oils; this has the oil from sherry casks, which contain less oil, while Storm has oil from toasted American oak casks, which contain more. The sherry casks used do contribute to a sweet whisky, and therefore more depth.

As someone who enjoys peat and smoke, this expression echoed familiar Islay characteristics while incorporating island elements. The nose presented notes of salty brine and peat. Upon tasting, a warm, fruity, peaty Scotch filled the mouth. With a great mouthfeel, the finish offered a balanced blend of smoke and floral notes, typical of the islands. Overall, it's not an overwhelmingly peaty spirit, but a medium-bodied one that delivers exceptional flavor for its category.