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.
A pleasant camp fire evoking memories of childhood visits to the candy store on the nose. Surprisingly smooth on the palate with notes of Christmas pudding and truffles and a smoky finish. All in all a solid drop. If it looks like a whiskey, and walks like a whiskey.... Then you've definitely had too much whiskey!!! :)
Acidic and crispy scent of grapes around smoky peat. Oily texture with fruity pepper and iodine. Warm sweet finish with lingering taste of charred wood. Perhaps a bit disappointing for a Talisker. Could use some more power and complexity, nevertheless it's good.
While on holiday, I purchased a bottle of this whiskey. I finished all but a dram, because I wanted my father to try it. I had a hard time placing the nose, until it dawned on me. The belly of an old schooner I sailed on a few years back. Wonderful aroma of wood fired cook stove, and salt aged wood. The flavor is rich with smoked salmon and the finish pleasantly reminds you that you just sipped a full bodied dram. This is no wimp. Isle of Sky is an absolutely beautiful place, and it is no wonder they produce such a fine dram!
