Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Talisker Storm Review: Single Malt Scotch Whisky RRP £39

Talisker Storm Review was first published on GreatDrams.com.

let’s begin

Being a keen whisky lover I jumped at the chance to attend the launch of a new whisky in an awesome location, the Design Museum in London. The event itself was great, some engaging brand experiences including a 25ft faux-storm installation on the banks of the Thames - conveniently on one of the most humid nights of the year. There was even a guest appearance from none other than Michael Fish, the national treasure who famously reported there was to be no storm in England in 1987, a mere 12 hours before the biggest storm on record battered our fair isle. All is forgiven now though, he posed for a photo with me.

Now, the main event. The Talisker Storm Review.

I was handed a rather enjoyably full dram of the latest nectar from Skye and headed to the balcony to gently sip this new, age-less nectar with an open mind and a welcoming heart.

I wanted this to be great.

I wanted my first new whisky launch to be remembered.

I wanted to feel surprised.

That’s it for my launch experience, I’m going to focus on the first purchase experience.

Prior to obtaining a bottle, I had read two quotes from the men behind the liquid:

“We wanted to focus on distillery character – the bedrock of Talisker Storm.
So we sought out some great mature Talisker, enriched and mellowed by time spent in carefully rejuvenated casks, and brought that together with some very fresh distillery character preserved by maturation in refill casks. The result is Talisker’s unique distillery character delivered by aged, mature whiskies, integrated in one vibrant dram.” – Master Blender Dr Jim Beveridge “Any new member of the Talisker family has a lot to live up to and I am proud to say that Talisker Storm Whisky does just that. The distinctive whisky we create with such passion and care here on Skye speaks very boldly of the dramatic island where it was born. Everyone here is delighted at the skill with which our malt masters have put together this vivacious new Talisker. Talisker Storm is indeed the right name for it!” – Talisker Distiller Manager Mark Lochhead added

I was not disappointed. Not one bit.

As you hold the box you begin to feel like there is something new going on here, Talisker has taken a step forward and may be on the verge of delivering a fresh product aimed at many different types of whisky consumer. The bottle looks strong, yet weather-dependent. New, yet classic. Demanding, yet enticing. The bottle is opened. The liquid poured. I frantically try to think of a way to pun ‘storm in a teacup’ to sound whisky-oriented. Storm in a Glencairn just isn’t doing it justice. The first sip delivers a multitude of sensations. I like my whisky strong, smoky and peaty, and Storm duly delivers. It marries Talisker’s typical spice with a salty finish and a hint of fruit. Whilst in your mouth and until just after you swallow it is soft but warming.

But five seconds later.

That warming sensation turns into a real burn. A lovely burn that you have to battle a bit but ultimately you are willing to let it take hold. Then repeat. Great brand, great experience(s) and great whisky. Overall: A great session or recreational whisky, would not say it is one for the collector but I am proud to have a first edition on my shelf and look forward to owning and enjoying many more bottles.

Official tasting notes from Talisker

ABV:45.8%

Nose: Spicy, mellow smoke and a honeyed sweet maltiness with an explosion of pepper 

Palate: At first sweetly mellow and rich followed quickly by a spicy heat, like a gathering Storm. The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a balance of sweetness, smoke and salt. Finish: Clean, warming, with a lasting aftertaste

Tags: ReviewsSingle MaltTaliskerTalisker Storm
Greg

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.

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