Talisker – Port Ruighe Single Malt (45.8%)

Talisker Port Ruighe is a single malt from the Isle of Skye, finished in port wine casks and bottled at 45.8%. The port casks add a new dimension to the distillery's style. The nose opens with sea spray, then turns to crayon wax, orange peel and a touch of white chocolate, with demerara sugar, a passing note of plasters and plummy, umeshu-like tones. On the palate the familiar Talisker brine returns, though sweeter than usual, thick and mouth-coating, with chilli and chocolate orange. The smoke builds and is stronger than the nose suggests. The finish moves from milk chocolate to cocoa and oak, with mocha and a faint hint of orange peel.