Talisker Port Ruighe - 45.8%
From the Diageo website
Produced at the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been made by the sea since 1830, with its smell and taste instantly connecting you to its rugged maritime home. Every sip is a taste of the Isle of Skye itself, one of the most remote, rugged, yet beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Double matured in port casks, Port Ruighe, pronounced ‘Portree’ is the Gaelic spelling of the once-bustling trading port on Skye: this malt is a toast to the Scottish traders who braved the high seas and were instrumental in the foundation of the port wine trade.
The port finish combines Talisker’s powerful maritime character with succulent sweet notes of rich berry fruits for a superb taste experience. Each sip brings with it a sweet smokiness of a fading wood fire with the fruity richness of ripe plums. Talisker Port Ruighe was made for sipping neat. An essential gift for whisky connoisseurs, looking to explore new depths of flavour amongst smoky island malt whiskies.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Amber gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily legs
Nose: Soft wood smoke, red berries, salty sea breeze, orange zest, ripe Victoria plums and a touch of milk chocolate
Palate: Initial maritime saltiness followed by mouthcoating oiliness, strawberries and cream with cracked black pepper, caramel, milk chocolate covered raisins and a touch of bonfire toffee
Finish: Becomes smokier with a note of dark chocolate coming through, together with mildly astringent woody oak and a touch of black pepper
Summary: It would be fair to say this wasn’t the first time a dram of Port Ruighe has passed my lips, and it probably won’t be the last unless the typical Diageo price creep makes it too difficult to justify.
I tend to find port finished whiskies can be more hit and miss than most finishes, they tend to be either very good or dismally poor. Thankfully on this occasion the berried fruit sweetness of the port influence marries beautifully with the salty, peat smoke and black pepper character of the Talisker spirit. It’s a lovely, well balanced dram, easy to drink and one which may well convert some of those who struggle to enjoy peated whisky.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Talisker distillery, follow the link to the company website.
