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.
Was hoping to find the Distiller's Edition on the shelf but got this one instead. This spirit spends time in a port casks, which delivers a dark berries, orange and chocolate on the palate. All with the coastal peat and smoky character that gives Talisker its notoriety.
Purchased on a whim ( on offer ) and glad I did. The port finish gives a totally different finish from the 10yr old Talisker I'm used to. slightly softer and sweeter and very drinkable. I wonder what a finish in Rioja would taste like?
Bought this for Christmas but made the mistake of opening it early for a quick taste.. 3 weeks later there’s only a quarter of a bottle left and now it’s sold out.. Beautiful drink from Talisker. Top of my favourites list at the moment.
I do quite like this But I do, and you can create your own by adding one tot of Port, to a bottle of 10 YO Talisker Better still, add a half tot of Port to half a bottle of Talisker, as this “homemade” version might not keep as well long term as the Port Ruighe
We love it so smooth.
