Talisker Port Ruighe Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl

Talisker was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill at Carbost on Skye's Minginish peninsula, and remains the only working distillery on the island. Port Ruighe (pronounced "Port-ree", after the Skye town of Portree) pays tribute to the Scottish maritime traders who helped establish the port wine trade between Scotland and Portugal; the whisky is finished in ruby port casks after initial maturation, layering Talisker's famously smoky, maritime character with dark fruit sweetness.

Expect chocolate and peat smoke on the nose alongside orange and black pepper spice, with a palate of dark plum, spice and gentle smoke, building to Talisker's characteristic warming, peppery finish softened by the port cask's fruitiness.

A good choice for drinkers who find standard Talisker 10 too fierce — enjoy as a winter sipping dram or in a smoky whisky cocktail.