Whisky Focus - Talisker Storm Review

Talisker Storm Review


20th February  2013
Talisker Storm, an exciting new addition to the Talisker core range.

It is very rare to see a new addition to the Talisker core range and I am sure the many fans of this popular island distillery will be very pleased to hear that today Talisker announced the first of some exciting new expressions that we can expect to see joining the Talisker family of whiskies in 2013.

Talisker Storm the first of these new expressions was created by Diageo’s master blenders from both rejuvenated and refill casks at different ages to deliver a perfect balance of vibrant distillery character and smoother woody richness, it has been bottled at the traditional Talisker strength of 45.8% ABV, and like the Talisker 57° North it has no age statement.

Talisker Storm has been created to delight and intrigue the many adorers of this celebrated island whisky. I have been told that it is more intense and smoky, with enhanced and vibrant maritime notes, smoothly balanced with Talisker’s signature hot sweetness.

It will initially be available early 2013 through domestic retail channels and whisky specialist shops in selected Western European markets.

How the whisky makers developed this stormy new addition to an already celebrated family of highly distinctive single malt whiskies is explained by Master Blender Dr Jim Beveridge:

"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."

Talisker Distiller Manager Mark Lochhead added:

"Any new member of the Talisker family has a lot to live up to and I am proud to say that Talisker Storm 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!"

The consensus among early tasters reads:

"The sweet warmth and briny, peppery finish that are the symbol of the Talisker character have been carefully accentuated through a skilful blend of differing aged Talisker casks. The profound maritime character achieves a deeper intensity, like a warm welcome from a wild Hebridean sea."

So how much is the new Talisker Storm going to set you back? I have been told in price terms Talisker Storm will sit somewhere between the Talisker 10 year old and the Talisker Distillers Edition expressions so I would estimate around £40.

I cant wait to try this myself and I will certainly let you know what I think when I do. The other exciting news for Talisker fans is there are plans to launch more new expressions of Talisker later in 2013, I have heard rumours of a Talisker Port Finish no age statement expression, but I am not one to spread rumours, so watch this space and I will let you know when I have some facts.
 

Talisker Storm Review


William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Colour: Burnished copper.

Nose: A laid back light peppery spiciness with a light honey sweet coating that grows the more you nose it. A fresh sea breeze carrying a wisp of smoke and some shy young fruit.

Taste: Smoke that very quickly turns spicier, a touch of youthfulness about the spice but it is being kept in check by some mature oak spice. A lovely sweet nuttiness, a touch of lemon and pear and all coated in Talisker's delicious signature spicy pepper.

Finish: Quite a long smooth finish, spicy pepper, a bit of fruit, some chocolate and a light lingering bonfire smoke.

Comment: Having spent the last few hours with the new Talisker Storm I have to say this is a quality whisky, very much a member of the Talisker clan but quite different from the 10 year old and certainly worth a try by any Talisker fan. I wouldn't say it is younger or older than the 10 year old but that there is a bit of both in the mix with the majority being younger but not by much, it definitely creates a different and very enjoyable expression of Talisker. Personally I will always welcome a new affordable to drink expression from Talisker, I very much enjoyed this one.
SMW Score 87/100
 

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