Port Askaig 110 Proof

Nose: peat is notable, but not overpowering, and rounded off by fresh herbal/fruity (pear?) notes. I also get a hint of caramel which rounds off the nose nicely. Finishing off the nose is a fresh tar note. Feels refreshing and light. Taste: upfront peat, as expected, though not as dominating as the more famously peaty scotches. Slight briny notes, some earthy notes (mushroom?), orange zest, butterscotch. I'd say it's more forward towards the warm earthy notes contrary to the nose. Finish: peat smoke lingers. Spice follows which dissipates quickly, replaced by the residual peat. Alcohol burn is low despite the very high proof. Warms on the way down. On the second tasting I let it rest a bit more and added water. On the first tasting the water seemed to actually detract but on this tasting I got a bit more caramel and nutty notes from the nose. To the taste, it added some of the herbal notes I got on the nose as well as sweet butterscotch notes. The peaty and spicy finish was diminished by quite a bit.

Very light appearance. Subtle nose, some peat but with an interesting buttery quality to it. Maybe some floral notes as well but primarily staying true to the smoky/peaty nose. Taste comes in very pleasant and balanced. A sweetness (vanilla maybe) comes off initially to break the ice which is backed by the smoky peat. It has a nice buttery mouthfeel to it with a bit of spice to it, possibly related to the proof, but still isn't overpowering or hot which is very impressive. The finish is excellent and might derive extra length from the higher proof but is very enjoyable and lasting. Exited to taste this again. I need to get a bottle of this.

An outstanding, intense, Single Malt Scotch Whisky by Specialty Drinks from in Islay, Scotland aged in American oak barrels & bottled at 55% ABV. It has a rich & zesty birth with notes of smoke, lemon zest & crisp apple; while a complex life adds notes of coal, peat smoke, port, cloves, cinnamon, cocoa & licorice root; that leads to a long & rich death with an oily texture & notes of chocolate, sweet fruit, raisin, mint, spice & brine. April / September 2019 / January / June / October 2020 / January 2021 / September 2022

Peat and barley on the nose, maybe some white peach and a savory note reminiscent of chicken broth. The palate is a beautiful, earthy, buttery biscuit. The finish gives me more of that savory note and isn’t super long. I would love to have this and Port Charlotte 10yr side-by-side, as they both give me a lot of peat and barley. I think I like the PC10 slightly more because of its complexity and fruitiness.

Heavy peat and iodine. For all lovers of ardbeg or laphroaig, honestly anyone who loves a salty peat bombs. Light honey in the beginning that instantly translate to heavy peat and iodine saltiness indicative of some heavier islay whiskys. And honestly to me, the high proof is almost irrelevant in terms of drinkability, any fans of ardbeg or Bowmore should see some value in this.

This won in a blind with Corryvreckan, Octomore 10 (2020), Port Charlotte 10, and Talisker. It was rich with earthy coffee and chocolate notes. There were some deep red fruits reminiscent of black cherry and plum in the background. The peat made a classy cameo that brought more earthy notes. It was extremely cohesive and well-made for a relatively unknown whisky.