Talisker Storm

Is Talisker jumping on the NAS bandwagon, as we have recently also seen from Macallan? Well, it is nothing new of course. To name but a few: Auchentoshan Three Wood, Dalmore King Alexander III, Glenmorangie Signet, Isle of Jura Prophecy, Springbank CV, Ardbeg Uigedail. The criticism that this is all about young whisky of lesser quality does not hold water. The press blurb tells us that Talisker wants to focus on the distillery character and therefore used rejuvenated casks with matured Talisker and young Talisker with refill casks to create this Storm. It is priced just above the regular 10 Year Old, which I am putting right next to it for comparison.

It is immediately clear on the nose that this is a completely different profile. Not at all sweet. Rather salty and mildly sour. Loads of peat and white pepper. There is some sweet malt hidden in the background, as well as some vanilla, but up front I get nothing but maritime elements. Anchovies in the lead, followed by stockfish (you know, the dried fish to chew on?) and oysters. Feels a little young, though. After a while, the vanilla gets louder.

Quite soft on the palate. Very smoky and suddently becoming quite sweet. Peat and ginger. Walnuts! Once that fades the fruit kicks in. Pears, apples and mango, but also hints of melon. Midpalate a big saltiness appears. Very nice balance.

It becomes fruitier and sweeter still on the lingering finish, with a return of the typical pepper and brine on the death bed.

In all honesty, I prefer the 10 Year Old more, but it is close. This one is pretty complex, even. Surprising how it evolves from very salty to very sweet. This is a good dram, which reminded me of Caol Ila on the nose, but showed its true nature on the palate and in the finish.

PS. Talisker announced its newest port finished Talisker Port Ruighe today, also without an age statement, available from May 2013.

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