You can spend years waiting for a new release in Talisker's core range then two come along at once! Hot on the heels of Talisker Storm in early 2013 comes Talisker's Port Ruighe, pronounced 'Port Ree'.
This no age statement release is finished in Port wine casks, imparting a new dimension to this Isle of Skye single malt.
After a wave of initial sea spray, the nose becomes more complex with Crayola crayons, orange pith and a touch of white chocolate. Demerara and even sticking plaster emerge briefly along with plummy, umeshu notes.
Initial characteristic Talisker brine once again but much sweeter than usual. Thick and mouth coating like the Storm with chilli and a little chocolate orange. Increasingly smoky - much smokier than the nose suggests.
Milk chocolate becomes cocoa and oak with mocha notes and the faintest hint of that orange pith once again.
Alongside the distillery style there are similarities with Talisker Storm with the thicker, oilier mouthfeel and wood smoke. Port Ruighe has taken on additional characteristics from the Port casks however, adding sweetness and different notes such as plum and chocolate.
This is still Talisker but while Storm adds salinity and a pleasant astringency this adds a lovely wrapping of soft sweetness. It’s subtle, very well-judged and does not taste at all like an additive. It’s a tiny touch thin but I expect that to change after it has breathed for a while. I am strongly reminded of a confection I had as a child in the background. Cherry ganache or something. It’s like seeing a dear friend a nice new outfit. I can understand someone preferring the core expression more, especially if they can afford the older whiskies, but I expect this to be popular. Please give us a 12 year old version.
Sweet, strong notes of port and some lovely smoke. One of my favourites.
Didn’t really expect too much, but I have to admit that I really like this expression from Talisker. I love thenTalisker signature, and it comes through here but with some additional sweetness. Good mouthfeel also.
Absolutely one of my favorites, smooth but with the right whiskey pinch!
All the good bits from Talisker 10, but a bit more refined. Great for a winter evening by the fire.
