Talisker Talisker Storm NV 750ml

Made on Isle of Skye, this brisk, briny single malt carries honey and campfire smoke aromas on the nose. On the palate, a salted caramel flavor unfolds, with smokiness leading into the brisk finish that brushed with fleeting notes of citrus and rich espresso. It has plenty of alcohol punch, so be sure to add a generous splash of water.

Diageo has introduced this new no age statement variant of Talisker single malt. The name reflects the distiller’s aspiration to enhance the maritime notes in this expression. Refill and rejuvenated casks have both contributed to its maturation. The nose is youthful but rounded, with brine, burning wood embers, vanilla, and honey. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with cranberries and black currants, while peat smoke is always present, plus black pepper. The finish lingers, with walnuts and fruity peat.

Talisker, known for producing a powerfully peat-smoked whisky from the Isle of Skye, her introduced an even more intense edition: Talisker Storm. Unlike their other offerings, it bears no age statement, allowing master distiller Mark Lochhead to favor barrel choices over age. The result is a dram with a concentrated smokiness. It's remarkably balanced, with enough sweet butterscotch and sea spray aromas to tame the smoke.

Though more intense than the classic Talisker, the peat is a bit more subdued, allowing the bright tropical fruit, heady smoke, and nutty/spice notes to shine. Very rich with a smooth, round mouthfeel. The dominant notes are vanilla and nutmeg for sure, but lots of honey, apricot and hazelnut flavors as well. Overall, this is a pretty pleasant Storm — it’s almost like you’re watching it from the comfort of your porch.