Talisker Port Ruighe

Talisker added the Port Ruighe (pronounced: portree) to their lineup in 2013 as another NAS expression for the travel retail market. In the last couple years it has made its way into whisky shops in the UK and EU, but has yet to make it to the states. The name is a double entendre; Ruighe has a Gaelic origin meaning King, with the name of the whisky meaning Port of the King or the King’s Port, and the second meaning referring to the whisky’s finish in port wine casks.

Similar to the Talisker Skye, the Port Ruighe is aged in ex-bourbon and toasted casks, but it is then finished in port wine casks and bottled at the standard Talisker 45.8% ABV. While we don’t know the age statement of this expression, it is similar to the Talisker 10 Year so I would estimate it’s in the 7-10 year range.

BOTTLE INFO

Distiller: Talisker
Region: Islands (Skye)
ABV: 45.8%
Outturn: NA
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask Type: Ex-bourbon, toasted casks, and finished in port wine casks
Age: NAS
Chill Filtered: Yes
Color Added: Yes
Color: Tawny

TASTING NOTES

Glass for Review: Glencairn
Nose: Sea spray, white chocolate, plum, licorice and fresh oak
Palate: Typical Talisker brine, fruit notes arise from the port finish complemented by chocolate oranges. Sweeter than Talisker Storm. A little bit of oak settles in the mid-palate.
Finish: Initially smoky burnt wood mixed with orange citrus, followed by lots of brine. The finish falls a bit flat.
Overall: Adding water brings out more of the peat, smoke, and sweeter notes in the nose but does nothing for the palate. It’s not my favorite Talisker, and I’m a little disappointed as I had higher expectations. The palate and finish are not as captivating as the other Taliskers.

Average Price: $65 USD