Talisker Port Ruighe offers a nice variation
The Glasgow Whisky Club gathers every now and then in the Bon Accord pub, and in January 2026 me and some friends were invited to join in. One of the members contributed a bottle, that he introduced with a hilarious roasting of Talisker. Only to go on to pour an absolutely dreadful (PX infused) Torabhaig single malt. As you probably know, the latter is the second distillery on the Isle of Skye. It was built almost 10 years ago, effectively ending the solitary reign of Talisker over this rugged Scottish island. It is easy to bash Talisker of course, being part of a big drinks company that seems to put results first, brand quality and integrity second. Indeed, products like Talisker Skye, Talisker Storm and … Darker Storm were asking for a lot of patience. Talisker stood proud as a singular powerhouse whisky, but people are automatically cautious when a brand starts selling like hotcakes. It is now the seventh most sold single malt in the world. Fact is, the basic quality of this volcanic single malt is still high, and justifiably popular. Today, we taste a more left-field bottling, as this one is a finished expression.
Talisker Port Ruighe, bottled at 45,7 % abv
First things first: Somewhat shady information about duration of maturation, but apparently this Talisker Port Ruighe matured in a combination of American and European oak casks, before being finished in Port casks. We will take it as it is.
Upon Sipping: A very meaty malt, up there with the best examples from variants from Islay. Peat smoke always plays well with port maturation, I believe, and this Talisker Port Ruighe joins in on that theory. Burning branches, black sand beach, rubber tyres and exotic berries. Rough and wild, like the sea. So far, nothing to complain about! The attack on the tongue is a tad more sweet than I expected after nosing this Talisker. Hints of brown sugar, liquorice and wood sticks. Only towards the finish does this really put the port casks at work, with a slightly bitter but rewarding finish.
After some breathing, layers of ozone descends on the aroma. On the palate, the port develops into a more pronounced presence, by being a little too dry. But the peppery heat of Talisker keeps it interesting, however covered it is under the dark red fruit. With water, this sweetness turns a little thin, with some ashy off-notes. Still, a complex dram, within the spectrum of what it is (this being a NAS Talisker).
Word to the Wise: Not at all bad! This has a lot to offer if you want to deviate from Talisker expressions that you know by heart. The port is certainly presents, but tries to blend in, and does a great job at that. I would not mind seeing this with a decent age statement, and some more body.
Score: 84 points.