Talisker Port Ruighe (45.8%, OB, 2014)

• Island single malt scotch whisky
• 45.8% ABV, £45 for 70cl
• Score: 85/100

What they say:

Talisker Port Ruighe

Double matured in port casks, this malt is a toast to the Scottish traders who braved the high seas and were instrumental in founding the port wine trade, shipping it to the world. ‘Port Ruighe’ (pronounced ‘Portree’) is the Gaelic spelling of the once bustling trading port on Skye. The Port finish combines TALISKER’S powerful maritime character with succulent sweet notes of rich berry fruits for a superb contrasting taste experience.

Tasting Notes:

ABV: 45.8%

Nose: Sweet smokiness of a dying wood burning fire with the richness of ripen plums.

Palate: The initial pepper on the tongue soon develops into a peatiness with a difference. A creamy smokiness mingled with spice and dark fruits.

Finish: Long lingering dry smokiness

What I say:

Our fifth dram of the WOLS 13/14 session tour of the regions was the Talisker Port Ruighe from the Island region

Colour:

Ruby gold

Nose:

Sweet smoked bacon, smoky, sweet and salty

Taste:

Salty and sweet with lots of jammy fruits, plums, strawberry, smoke appears to be lost in the sweetness

Finish:

Long, briny and smoky peat a little sweet fruit jam persists