Talisker Port Ruighe

This official Talisker single malt and bottled at 45.8%. Set on the shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, Talisker has distilled since 1830. Medium peated malt from Glen Ord gives the smoke, around eighteen to twenty two parts per million.

It was worked through the distillery's looped stills and worm tubs, from medium peated malt, for the peppery, maritime spirit Talisker is known for. A Port cask laid smoked red fruit over the peat. Carrying no age, it leans on peat smoke, brine and a black pepper kick. Refill oak lets the distillery's peppery, briny character lead. Carbost is a tiny port on the wild west coast of Skye. The peat is medium rather than heavy, leaving the smoke balanced and coastal. Talisker was for nearly two centuries the only working distillery on the Isle of Skye. Its 10 year old is the Island malt of Diageo's Classic Malts selection.

Reduced to 45.8%, it is mellow. The Port cask lays smoked plum and red berry over the peat, and smoke, salt and a warming pepper, with a quiet vanilla from the barrel. Soft smoke and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. The close is long, smoke over a chilli warmth. This is a smoky, peppery Island whisky.