In the context of the recent revamp of Talisker, there’s this new Port wine finished version called Talisker Port Ruighe (prononuced portree).
Matured in refill casks (American and European oak), it was then transferred to deeply charred barrels and yet again transferred to Port wine (or Port wine infused) barrels.
Talisker Port Ruighe
(45,8%, OB 2013)
Nose: rather dominant wine notes. Think rosewater lokum, a lot of plums and cranberries. Fragrant lemon as well as a slightly acetic sourness. Some chalk. The peat is nicely integrated and is particularly medicinal with the invasiveness of menthol and antiseptics. Coastal notes. Hints of chocolate and oak shavings. Uncommon and surprisingly airy for a Talisker.
Mouth: oily but sharp as a knife. Brine, chilli pepper, ginger. Cranberries (including the specific bitterness of their juice). Menthol again. It’s only in the aftertaste that it begins to calm down and show orange liqueur, smoke. There’s also a surprisingly scorched earthy element in the end.
Finish: long, with more smoke, dark chocolate and earthy notes.
An unusual Talisker to say the least. Some will find it interesting, others will find it disjointed. It seems I will stick with the traditional Talisker offerings. Around € 50.
Score: 79/100