Talisker – Port Ruighe (45.8%)

A single malt from Talisker on the Isle of Skye, bottled at 45.8%. It is matured first in American ex-bourbon casks and then finished in port casks. The name and idea recall the Scottish merchants who once sailed across the Atlantic to bring port home from Portugal. Talisker has stood on the shore of Loch Harport at Carbost since 1830. The bourbon casks support creamy vanilla and caramel, and the port finish adds dark berries, ripe grapes and a winey sweetness. The nose is typically described as ripe grapes, charred oak, soft malt, caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla and a hint of smoke. On the palate it is full-bodied and peppery, with dark berries, bitter chocolate, vanilla, caramel and a noticeable smokiness.