Talisker Storm Scotch Review

By Kurt Maitland

Rating: B

Talisker Storm is the latest release from the esteemed Isle of Skye distillery, representing a new No-Aging Statement (NAS) style. The distillery’s single malt line, ranging from 10 to 30 years old, has long been a staple with scotch fans, attracting some famous names along the way. Robert Louis Stevenson saw fit to mention Talisker in some of his poetry, and noted British travel writer Henry V. Morton was known to love the stuff.

Considering what happened when The Macallan turned hard towards NAS single malts, Talisker Storm has produced relatively little fuss. Perhaps that is because it is merely one expression instead of an entire line of them, but also it just might have something to do with the quality of the scotch presented. Let’s find out.

The Scotch
Appearance – Reddish Gold

Nose – Sweet smoke, light peat

Taste/Flavor – Smoky, peaty front, chocolatey middle, peppery/black  licorice finish, with a smooth, a little oily mouthfeel.

Finish – Long slow peppery burn

With water – Becomes a little creamier and fuller in taste and a little less feisty than it is neat but water only slightly trims that long pepper finish

As mentioned above, there are elements of the Talisker 10 in this expression but it is more aggressive in its finish. I can’t say which I prefer between the 10 Year Old and the Storm. Truth be told, I’m still torn.  Both are excellent and offer the taste you expect from Talisker but each gives you a slightly different look.

The Price
Talisker Storm is meant to sit just above their 10 Year Old on the brand ladder, and is priced accordingly. In the UK, Talisker Storm is listed at about £40, and in the U.S. it has been listed for between $65 and $70.