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.
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I get berry and plum fruitiness with a hint of liquorice coming from the Port casks. And, then smokiness, like the downdraft from a cosy, warm coal fire. This is a lovely, smooth, peaty whisky.
Now I am not a Whisky connoisseur if I am being truthful. I do like a good Malt and Talisker is my favourite and this ticked all the boxes for me, looks, smell and taste. Definitely had the taste of port and spices and a lovely dark colour. For me it was a wonderful drink.
“Easy drinking” is not a criteria for a good whisky for me but this is. A very well balanced and complex taste. Definitely recommended.
Not much on the nose at first, benefits from airation and a nice warming by hand; sea salt, slight alcohol burn, and peanut brittle. Salted caramel and canied fruit n the mouth with lingering allspice on the finish. Having finished a nice meal you have a moment of reflection over the multiple glasses on the table as you look around at the company that made the meal. Wafts of port and spiced biscuits mingle with cheese whiff and you think things might not be so bad after all.
Peated with port influence. Smoke, fruit and caramel. Very nice
