Talisker Storm

Waitrose

Someone suggested that this whiskey was misnamed, that it was too calm to be called Storm. I'm not so sure about that. I've been tasting and testing Storm for a couple of months now, and I find these seas to be choppy indeed. I can't figure it out; one time I will absolutely love it, and the next time I'll find it not so enjoyable. Its becoming my go-to pour when I'm in the mood for complexity and unpredictability. Right now I have a Storm-filled Glencairne an arm's length away. The iodine peat is reaching my nose at gale force, gradually calming to a smokey brine as it sits awhile in the glass. This smokey brine continues on my palate, with tartness and spice, mellowing to a pleasant tingling. This one needs water! A drop or two will ease the nose and allow some sweet cream and vanilla notes to get past the peat. The spiciness mellows and the lingering smokey brine carries a certain sweetness. The empty glass is leather and citrus. I think Storm dares you to like it!