Talisker Dark Storm (45.8%, OB, 2014)

• Island single malt scotch whisky
• 45.8% ABV, £44.99
• Score: 79/100

What they say:

Tasting Notes

Talisker Dark Storm is a 45.8% single malt Scotch matured in heavily charred oak casks for flavours of blackcurrant, liquorice and powerful smoke.

The nose is quite clean and fresh. There is a mixed fruity sweetness with a spicy character. The peat and smoke rise with notes of perfume and thick oak. Hints of Calvados and a touch of acidity with ground ginger. The palate is thick and rich and full-bodied. Notes of spicy, peppery oak, espresso beans and wood smoke. A little allspice creeps in, there is a certain zesty character lurking somewhere. The spice builds and builds with utter intent. The finish is long and with peppery oak.

What I say:

Sampled during Water of Life Society 27/03/2014 – Annual General Meeting

Colour:

Deep, brooding, amber with blackened copper lights.

Nose:

A rich sweet malt and butterscotch top-notes, backed by seaweed strewn beaches, brine, polished leather, moist ginger fruit cake and a whiff of peat-smoke. Somewhat nose-drying in effect.

Taste:

A sweet and distinctly salty taste, with herbal notes and a warming, lightly smoky finish, after a chilli-pepper kick as you swallow. Becomes more leathery with a dash of water; still some cereal/cake notes, and after a while sweet seaweed. A soft mouthfeel and a sweet and salty taste. Both smoke and chilli are reduced, but still apparent.

Finish:

Lingering salt, smoke and spice in the aftertaste.