Talisker Dark Storm

This is supposedly the Talisker with the most intense peat level that isn’t cask strength. And the nose might suggest that. Sure you can’t expect anything Islay-like but for a Talisker it indeed has a prominent peat. But there also is a lingering sweetness right of the bat too. In fact it somewhat has Highland Park patterns but smoother. The nose is very delicious - not too strong not too weak - it really comes across well balanced. It has old sour apples, pumpkin spice, vanilla scones with custard - but everything hand in hand with the dominant peat note. On the palate the peat is right up front. Surprisingly cold while the nose promised a certain smoothness. A bid like cold ash. Also citrus fruits and spiced bread sticks. The finish remains smokey peaty. Cold and dry. But very spicy and with a fitting nice smoked chili burn. Still the finish decreases in enjoyment and in the end it really is the downside of this whisky so much so that it subtracts points from the rating. Water releases more tannins on the palate which makes it slightly bitter. The finish gets more intense with an increased sharpness and burn. It is interesting and rough but a tad too hot and bitter. The nose a bid better then the palate and finish.