Talisker Storm

Continuing my task of reviewing spirits from my inventory that haven't been covered yet. I've sampled various Talisker expressions many times over the years – it was among the first single malts I appreciated over two decades ago – and it still surprises me that I haven't reviewed any of them. The four expressions listed are the ones I currently have. I remember not favoring the Storm as much previously, and I also recall liking the 10-year a bit more than the Distiller’s Edition and the 18-year. Overall, Talisker has been a favorite distillery for me, not just based on my history with it but also on its own merits. Talisker Storm A rich, bold amber hue, similar to Pantone 130. The aroma presents sweet honey, apricot, smoky peat, iodine, and salt. The initial taste is spicy with a sweet undertone and a slightly viscous texture. The finish is lengthy, featuring considerable white pepper spice that quickly shifts to iodine and ample smoke, starting as smoky peat and concluding with char on the long finish. I enjoy the Storm more than I remembered. I suspect my previous mild dislike stemmed from an incorrect assumption that it was finished with added wood, like Maker’s Mark's wood-finished series which uses additional staves. At the time, I viewed that negatively, influenced by the practice of some California wineries using wood chips, which was seen as "cheap." Maker’s Mark succeeded with their wood-finished series, which does use added staves, but I have no confirmation that Talisker Storm uses that method. Talisker Storm offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and smoke. It's currently priced just over $50. Would I purchase it again? Yes, at least to complement the 10-year. NAS. The light color suggests no added coloring, although neither the bottle nor the website state this. 45.8% ABV. Talisker 10 The color is slightly darker than the Storm; burnt orange, close to Pantone 138. The aroma is more pronounced than the Storm, with an enhanced fruity character, showing light honey, some lemon custard, dates, clove, sea salt, smoky peat, and even a Laphroaig-like antiseptic note. The palate again has gentle viscosity and increased intensity, with an almost acidic citrus quality. The finish is shorter than the Storm's, with less intense smokiness, and also has a hint of sweet vanilla and orange bitters. I've expressed my dislike in several reviews for the relatively low alcohol content in some whiskies; 40% ABV is the minimum allowed, and some distilleries bottle at 43%. The higher ABV in each of these Talisker samples is not only appreciated as a sign of focus on craftsmanship over economics, but it also enhances the complex flavors. Talisker 10 retails for approximately $60. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Talisker Distiller’s Edition This expression is even darker than the 10-year, due to sherry cask aging; a clear Pantone 153. The wonderfully complex aroma reveals chocolate-covered cherries, bacon jam, a hint of cool menthol, and discernible vanilla, which softens (but doesn't eliminate) the smoky peat found in the 10-year. The palate has a touch of glycerin, honey, dried orange peel, liquid pralines, and Honey-Nut Cheerios. A mild spice leads to a subtly smoky peat, some leathery dryness, and a grain note. The Distiller’s Edition's blend of peat and sweetness is a milder, gentler version of an Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan, and it brings to mind a story. A few years ago, a friend who wasn't a whisky enthusiast took me to Milroy’s in London’s SoHo. We sampled, in order: a 60.4% ABV Chichibu bottled exclusively for Milroy’s; a Glenfarclas 24, also for Milroy’s; a Hibiki 21; a Nikka Pure Malt 21; a Glendronach 25; and then the Ardbeg Corry, as I wanted him to experience a sweet-peat whisky. It was a mistake, and completely out of place with the preceding spirits, making the Corry (which I enjoy) unappealing. In fact, I might have ruined his appreciation for peated whisky as a result (the benefit of that is one fewer competitor for purchases). In retrospect, the Talisker Distiller’s Edition would have been more suitable, as it presents the same sweet and smoke characteristics in a more subdued manner. Would I buy the Talisker Distiller’s Edition again? Yes. Diageo’s “Distiller’s Editions” involve additional aging in sherry casks. Specifically, the Talisker is based on the 10-year expression and then double-matured in Amoroso casks. 45.8% ABV. This bottle was distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2019. Talisker 18 The 18-year is lighter in color than the Distiller’s Edition but darker than the 10-year, as expected with an additional eight years of aging; a clear Pantone 144. The aroma is sweet, with brown sugar and vanilla, a smooth and creamy lemon custard, and very subtle peat smoke. The palate is sweet, but a different sweetness than the Distiller’s Edition: honey, crème brûlee, and even a hint of bananas Foster. The finish has white pepper that lingers, along with some smokiness reminiscent of bacon. The peat is present but significantly less prominent than in the Storm (which I tasted immediately afterward). Talisker 18 is an exceptional whisky, available for around $180. For me, it's more of a special occasion dram. It warrants appreciation for what it is: an aged whisky from the Isle of Skye that displays oceanic power with the refinement of 18 years of maturation. Would I buy it again? If my discretionary income allowed, yes. 45.8% ABV, consistent with the other Talisker expressions reviewed. I find enjoyment in composing these “showdown” reviews, though the primary goal isn't necessarily to establish a strict ranking, but rather to compare similar whiskies side-by-side to better highlight their distinct characteristics and merits (or lack thereof). The general progression observed here, from first to last, is a decrease in smokiness and an increase in complexity. While my subjective scoring may differ, this doesn't imply any of these are inherently "better" than the others; all are good, possessing different qualities. I would keep each one stocked. Talisker has a devoted following, and there's little I can add to the established opinions of its fans (I am one of them). The Storm focuses on smoky peat; the name "Storm" is fitting. The 10-year showcases the added complexity of a 10-year age statement (and a "softening" of the smoke). The Distiller’s Edition highlights the added sweetness from sherry cask finishing and its intricate interaction with peaty smoke. The 18-year emphasizes the added complexity from extended aging. With more age comes less overt intensity, leading to greater introspection; on a contemplative, rainy day, I find the 18 to be the most intellectually stimulating. Collectively, these are very good, but not quite as outstanding as I had recalled.

TALISKER SHOWDOWN REDUX Talisker Storm Talisker 10 Talisker Distiller’s Edition Talisker 18 (Last assessed 9/30/23) It's cool in Connecticut. Chilly, even. Cool weather calls for fire. Fire means smoke. Smoke signifies Scotch whisky. Tonight, it's Talisker. Talisker Storm Honey, smoky peat, pumpkin pie, apricot, kelp, iodine, sea salt. Lightly viscous on the palate, with honey and peppercorns evolving into a lengthy finish featuring honey, pear, smoke, vanilla, cured meat, and char. I appreciate the Storm more with each tasting. Not only are the aromas and flavors robust and intricate, but its 45.8% ABV bottling (compared to the typical 43% of similar whiskies) enhances its appeal. It's the most affordable in the group, priced between $60-$70. Would I purchase it again? Yes. No age statement. The pale color suggests no added coloring, though neither the bottle nor the website state this. 45.8% ABV. Talisker 10 Similar to the Storm, but intensified. Abundant sweetness (honey, apricot, pear) alongside peaty smoke. Viscosity comparable to the Storm. Long finish with pepper, vanilla, char, salinity. I am surprised I scored this 4.0 two years ago (especially given my past appreciation for this whisky; I've always enjoyed it). Talisker 10 is available for $70-80. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It represents outstanding value for a whisky. 10-year age statement. 45.8% ABV. Talisker Distiller’s Edition Darker than the Storm and 10-year due to sherry cask finishing. My prior impressions remain consistent, so I'll reiterate: “Wonderfully intricate nose reveals chocolate-covered cherries, bacon jam, a hint of cool menthol, and discernible vanilla, which tempers (but doesn't eliminate) the smoky peat of the 10-year. The palate has a slight glycerin feel, honey, dried orange peel, liquified pralines, and Honey-Nut Cheerios. A mild spiciness leads to subtle smoky peat, some leathery dryness, and a cereal note.” This producer owns Talisker (along with other whisky brands), and its “Distiller’s Edition” involves sherry cask aging. For Talisker, the 10-year is finished in Amoroso casks. It sells for $80-$90. Would I purchase it again? Yes. And I'll need to, as that bottle is now finished. 10-year age statement (produced 2009; bottled 2019). 45.8% ABV. Talisker 18 Pomander, cured pork fat, and smoke, though the smokiness is subdued by sweetness. Not just honeyed like the other expressions, but also possessing a crème brûlée caramelized sugar quality. If the 10-year is the Storm amplified, the 18-year is the 10-year dialed back, yet presenting greater complexity and confidence. White pepper on the finish, along with bacon jam. Talisker 18 is more suited for special occasions. This aged whisky from the Isle of Skye showcases the power of the sea tempered by 18 years of maturation. Tasted blind, it wouldn't seem as vibrant as the others. Would I buy it again? Provided I had the disposable income, yes. 18-year age statement. 45.8% ABV, consistent with the other Talisker expressions here. The Storm clearly exhibits the youngest flavor profile of the group. The 10-year is the standout; it balances youthful vigor with mature complexity. The Distiller’s Edition is pleasant, but the 10-year already offers ample sweetness. And the 18-year is very good, but it's more mellow and reserved. Note: All spirits sampled neat in a Glencairn glass.

Many people praised Ardbeg Wee Beastie for its courage in releasing a 5-year age statement. A bold move for a scotch, they commented. It just goes to show age isn't everything, they said. Well, it is and it isn't. I like the Beastie, and it's proof that, as long as the price is kept reasonable, younger whiskies with age statements can be enjoyable. After all, when Beastie hit markets around here it was $43. Now it's $50, and it's getting too expensive for me. If the 10 Year Ardbeg is $65, I'd rather pay $15 more for a better whisky. And the reason I'm mentioning Wee Beastie here is that The Storm tastes similar: it's young, there's no age statement, and compared to Talisker 10, it's not quite worth the asking price unless you find it on sale/clearance. Or perhaps not? I guess it depends on the market. I got this on clearance in NJ at Circle Liquor in Sommers Point where the listed price was $80 and it was sold for $50. Seems like a good deal. But when I look at prices online, especially at Total Wine, it appears $52 is supposed to be closer to the list price anyway, so I bought it on clearance yet at what in some places is full price. Let me just say, in my estimation, this is a whisky I'd be willing to pay about $45 for after tasting it, which means unless I find it on clearance from the $52 list price, I won't be purchasing it again. The aroma is reminiscent of Beastie in that there's a Werther's Original grandpa butterscotch note in the pocket playing with the peat. The butterscotch is going up the slide while the peat is coming down. There's also a little vanilla tucked in between them as though they're playing squish the lemon with an unsuspecting kid who just wanted to sit between them. And maybe a little lemon at the end. Okay, so given that, it's a nice aroma. Maybe a bit more complex than I initially gave it credit for, but far from the delightful dram the 10 Year Talisker is. On the palate, the lemon is prominent with the peat, adding a dose of bacon fat that's the most noticeable note for me on the finish, and is, in fact, the most unique note in the entire experience. There might even be a hint of strawberry in there as it fades that reminds me a lot of the Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength. Overall, there's really nothing wrong with this, and it's quite pleasing. It's the kind of pour I'd never refuse, and if I were at a bar, I might even order it if it was reasonably priced. But since I don't drink at bars often, I can only tell you what I think is a reasonable price for bottles. I'm sticking with $45 here. If you can find it for that, get it. It might even be worth the $52 list price. I haven't tasted it side-by-side with the Beastie, but I might prefer this one. They're both acceptable young peated scotches whose older relatives are far superior but are also priced that way. Overall, in both cases, you can't go wrong with the 10 Year, and the younger versions give hints of what's to come, even if they can't live up to their elder siblings' reputations. P.S. I do like the expert reviewer's comment here: "it loses points for a name that doesn't deliver; this is more moody and brooding than stormy and intense." Whereas for Wee Beastie, I kind of liked the name because it sounds like there's a little harshness contained there and leads me to expect it to have a bite the 10 year doesn't have. Storm does sort of up the ante and make you think it's going to go all Scorpions and rock you like a hurricane. Sadly, there is no hurricane here. So in my final assessment, I think I'll be docking this a quarter star from my Beastie rating.

This no-age-statement Talisker, released in 2013, was intended as an alternative to the 10-year-old. Its distinction lies in the use of shaved and deeply re-charred former bourbon barrels, though the spirit itself is a mix of three-year-old and 25-year-old Talisker. The aroma presents a dry, cool smokiness alongside crisp sea spray and a hint of cracked pepper. A subtle malty honey sweetness emerges, recalling the 10-year-old's sweetness but leaning more towards banana and perhaps pear. A floral note is faintly detectable. On the palate, it's thick and heavy initially, with a spicy pepper kick. The smoke is warm and slightly astringent. Earthy, mineral brine evolves into Talisker's signature red chili. A creamy element, likely from the wood, bridges the gap between toffee and an oaked Chardonnay. The finish is of moderate length. The smoke quickly gives way to red chili, accompanied by a refreshing, cooling lift from a semi-sweet floral note, possibly young new make spirit. As it concludes, a sensation of embers and beach pebbles remains. While the nose doesn't possess the vigor of the 10-year-old, it hints at the 18-year-old, possibly due to the blend of older (rumored 25-year-old) and younger components. The palate feels somewhat flat, with the younger elements clashing with the older stock's influence. The finish, however, is where it excels, with the transition from smoke to a bright, lifting sweetness being quite wonderful. My main issue with this whisky is that it feels like an unnecessary, profit-driven no-age-statement release, similar to the Skye, though slightly better. The marketing suggests a powerful storm, evoking images of rugged coasts and dramatic weather. I expected something akin to the 'Sea Fury' special release, but instead found diminishing intensity and a lack of depth on the palate. The nose offered potential, and the finish was pleasant and calm, but it didn't deliver the promised storm. Overall, it's worth trying if readily available. However, for an accessible, brooding maritime character, the 10-year-old is preferable. For the softer, calmer side of Talisker, the 18-year-old is the better choice. Talisker 10 Year Old: 4/5 Talisker 18 Year Old: 4.75/5 Talisker 8 Year Old 2021 Special Release: 4.5/5 Talisker Skye: 3.25/5 Talisker Port Ruighe: 2.75/3 Talisker Storm: 3.5/5 Talisker 57 North: 4.25/5 Talisker X Parley Wilder Seas: 4.25/5

My last of the main Talisker lineup. I really enjoy the other three, so I have high hopes for this one’s character, even though it’s the youngest. It’s effectively an entry-level expression, but it’s still Talisker, so I’m eager to try it. Nose: Intense peat and bonfire smoke. Brine and kelp. Fudge and cacao. Creamy chocolate. Dried tomato. Black bean, spicy pepper. Clove, black and white pepper, and wood. Palate: Creamy chocolate and butterscotch. Vanilla, caramel, and shortbread. Salty candy. A touch of flowers. Dried grape. The kelp, brine, smoke, and peat are subtle here. Salty baked good. Black bean, spicy pepper. Clove, black and white pepper, and wood. Finish: Shortbread, vanilla, and caramel candy. Brine, kelp, and mild peat smoke. Creamy chocolate. Butterscotch and dried grape. Black bean, spicy pepper. Clove, black pepper, spice, nutmeg, and wood. Decent length, a bit longer than average. Fantastic. Talisker consistently delivers. This is their standard release. Based on the notes I’ve detailed, it’s obvious I don’t see it as merely standard. Strong, assertive, and salty. Always a robust spirit, and reliably excellent and layered. I’m giving this a 4.5/5, which is the lowest score I’ve awarded a Talisker. That reflects my opinion of its excellent quality. Great value for the price. Outstanding.

Overall Score: 3.5 [English] [Nose] - Deep, smoky, peaty notes - Clear and evident dried fruit sweetness and citrus (not grape-like) - Woody and oaky, reminiscent of burnt firewood - Malty, grainy, savory notes (not nutty) + Empty glasses leave a strong berry-like, tart, chewy sweet aroma [Palate] - Oily and light. - Distinctive salty and umami flavors of the sea. - Refreshing sweetness. - Balanced savory notes without being overwhelming. - Slightly spicy. [Finish] - Some tannin-like bitterness. - Rich oak and soft smoky notes. - A lingering warming sensation in the throat. [Korean] [Nose] - Deep smoky peat aroma - Clear dried fruit sweetness and citrus (not grape-like) - Woody and oaky, like burnt firewood - Savory malt and grain aroma + Empty glasses have a strong, jammy berry-like tart sweetness [Palate] - Oily and light. - Distinctive salty and umami flavors of the sea. - Refreshing sweetness. - Well-balanced savory notes without being overpowering. - Slightly spicy. [Finish] - A slight tannin-like bitterness. - Lingering notes of rich oak and gentle smoke. - A subtle warmth remains in the throat for a long time.