Talisker Port Ruighe

Review by: TOModera

It’s the last night at our friends house in the UK, and I’m getting nearer to the end of the liver destroying vacation that I needed, badly.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on vacation, I want to eat well, and drink well. And drinking well means getting some interesting and new whisky from distillers that I should drink more of. Distilleries such as Talisker

Talisker is from the Isle of Skye, being the only distillery there. It gains its named from the surrounding area, as it originally started with a lease from the Clan Macleod of Talisker House.

I presume that the head of Clan Macleod has looked into them ever since, as he searches out the world, sword fighting and being a Prince of the Universe. Perhaps he was the one who hinted that they should finish their main malt with port, creating the Talisker Port Ruighe

Distillery: Talisker Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Isle of Skye, Islands, Scotland.

ABV: 45.8%.

Age: Unknown

Cask type: Finished in Port Casks.

Price: N/A in Ontario

Color: Brick dust

Nose: Peat, caramel, iodine, red licorice, marmalade, raspberry, smoked rhubarb

I was expecting a blast of fruit, however the usual Talisker profile I’m used to in the 10 is the first thing. Over time, The Game continues and I’m met with more fruit, though the smokiness and the high peat level are always present.

Taste: Caramel, peat, dates, iodine, lemon, strawberry, vanilla ice cream, red licorice

Again (assuming I’m not throwing things off by drinking this on holy ground) this starts off as the usual Talisker profile of peat and caramel, though the port is more pronounced here, and you don’t have to wait 400 years for it to show up.

It ends up very sweet as it opens up, and my sweet tooth is loving this one.

Finish: Lots of Smoke, pear, currant, sultanas, grape gum, red apples

There’s a good balance between the usual smoke and the fruit tones from the port. It can be a double edged sword though, as it can become overwhelming to the tongue over time, and some may find it too tart, sweet, and/or sour for their tastes.

Conclusion: This is a very well crafted dram that has aged well and won many fights. The Talisker profile is very much present, though the strength of the port finish adds a new dimension. Definitely try a dram, unless you don’t like too sweet whisky.

Final Score: 85.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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