Talisker Storm

Cant go wrong

As a non-Islay island distillery, it has the strong coastal influences and does, indeed, use peat smoking, but the aggressiveness of the smoking is a step down from the Islay whiskies, allowing a series of unusual notes, including green raisins and freshly cracked white pepper to speak clearly. Nose is a whiff of sea breeze, pineapple, banana, citrus, honey, dried dirt/dust (yes, there's an odd musty smell), and rich, decadent brine. In the palate there's green raisins, apple cider, bright white pepper (almost gives it a tequila-like flavor), salted caramels, campfire smoke, leather, perhaps a bit of shoe polish, and cereal. Finish is short, with more white pepper and mild smoke lending to an intense warming sensation.