The Talisker Port Ruighe (pronounced as Port Tree) has been on the market for about 7 years now, but today is actually the first time I will taste it. I’m not much of a fan of Port finishes, so maybe this is why I didn’t really have this single malt on my radar. However, a few weeks ago I spotted this bottle in my father’s whisky cabinet, so I secretly stole a sample so that I could try it and of course, review it.
First released in 2013, Port Ruighe was the second NAS bottle from Talisker (Talisker Storm was the first) and since then many others followed, such as the Talisker 57 North for instance. Port Ruighe has matured in both American and European refill oak casks before being finished in Ruby Port casks. Bottled at a strength of 45.8% ABV.
Talisker Port Ruighe tasting notes:
Nose: plenty of smoke. A briny note. Some sweetness from port. Red berries and strawberries. Milk chocolate. Minerals. A layer of honey. It’s somewhat floral too.
Taste: less smoky than the nose suggests. But it’s quite sweet though. Blueberries and red berries. Plums. Milk chocolate. Slightly peppery, chilli peppers, but less than I’m used to with Talisker. Somewhat salty too.
Finish: short to mid-long with fruits, brine and peat.
The classic Talisker notes are absolutely there but that also counts for the influence of the Port casks. A little bit too much for me actually as it’s quite sweet at some points and not the sweetness I like. Also, it feels like there’s something missing, but can’t put my finger on it. This is definitely not my favourite Talisker.
