Whisky: Talisker Port Ruighe Scotch Single Malt
Producer: Diageo
Distillery: Talisker Distillery
Region: Isle of Skye, Island
Whisky Type: Single Malt (100% Malted Barley)
Age: NAS
ABV: 45.8%
Aged in Casks: ex-bourbon, refill European cask, ex-Port finish
Price Range: $$

Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, located on the shore of Loch Harport. The distillery enjoys a cult-like status among malt aficionados for its distinctive salty and phenolic flavor profile.

From the Website:

“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.”

Tasting Notes for Talisker Port Ruighe 

I purchased this malt with great excitement when I visited the distillery in 2015. Now let’s see if the malt holds its weight.

Nose: Aromas of berries, vanilla, smoke, and peat are the first ones I detect. The Bourbon barrel notes (vanilla, caramel) do not come immediately because the malt needs to sit in the glass for a few minutes to open up. An interesting experience because the berries and the vanilla try to get your attention, and both succeed.

Palate: An arrival is fruity with plenty of berries, followed by caramel, smoke, and peat. The texture is medium and creamy. Enjoyable for those not intimidated by some peat and smoke. The bourbon and the wine play well here followed by Tasliker’s core flavors (salty, peat, smoke). The longer the whisky stays in the glass, the more I can taste the bourbon and sweet notes from the Port. I like it without water.

Finish: A medium peppery, smoky, and ginger.

Conclusion: I really did not know what to expect about this malt. I have become skeptical about malts and bourbons aged in wine casks because I have found that wine can ruin things for me if it dominates the experience.

I have also felt like there are cases where the wine is there to hide the flaws of a young and rough whiskey. Other times, the marriage between wine and whisky does not work.

In regard to Talisker Port Ruighe, the bourbon notes make the experience very enjoyable because is there to mediate between the core flavors of Talisker and the Port, which by no means is invasive. Talisker nailed by selecting a sweet wine like Port as it makes the transition to Talisker seamless. Had Talisker chosen another type of wine with a more robust flavor profile the story could have been different. Overall, try it before you buy, but in my book, this one is a fun malt.

If you are interested in other reviews from Talisker Distillery click here:

Talisker 18-Year-Old: https://thewhiskyknights.com/talisker-18-year-old/

Talisker 57° North: https://thewhiskyknights.com/talisker-57-north-scotch-whisky/

Score: 3.75/5⭐

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