Port Askaig 110 Proof

Tastes of bland peat. Overall not very flavorful or aromatic.

This was a surprising dram. On the nose and palate it reminded me of Port Charlotte Heavily Peated. Peat, smoke and salt water. There was a little citrus on the palate and there was something else that I could not point to a reference, but it was there every time. Overall this whisky brings a punch and is very enjoyable.

Smoky nose. Black licorice finish.

like some others the nose isn't overpowering or particularly standout but the flavors shine. Peat and smoke, some ash, dark Cocoa. Little bit oil and a lingering zest round it out.

Port Askaig 110° Proof offers a high proof Scotch for one seeking adventure in Scotch territory. Whether of not it’s an adventure worth taking is up to you. I don’t often find high proof Scotches, so when I do, there is intrigue and a feeling that pursuit must take shape. Generally speaking, Scotch lends itself to certain levels of sophistication, even when boasting slogans like “it’s like kissing a mermaid after she’s just eaten barbecue” (I’m looking at you Laphroaig). While a peaty beast might seem unbridled, there’s still enough nuance and craftsmanship there to make an argument of art. Especially when that art is properly balanced. But what happens when you add a high proof to that art form? If you’re into high proof, wouldn’t that be the cat’s meow? The Initial nosing hit a tad hash revealing nail polish remover immediately. A bit more time allowed a sweet ethanol fragrance, followed by cantaloupe, popcorn, peat, butterscotch, and hardtack candy. Adding a drop of water opened the dram up a bit, offering mild lemon zest, just happy to have been invited to the party. It wasn’t much, but it did add complexity and that helped. The mouth on this was light to medium bodied on the tongue, showcasing dried pumpkin seed, salted sunflower seeds, sweet mid-tones and a resounding heat due to the high proof. The finish was lingering and warm, floating in the chest with a savory burn. This one might not be the best summertime dram. There is no doubt that pairing some of these elements together generates a fun exploration and something you don’t often find. However, the substance (flavor and nose) to proof ratio here simply didn’t hit high enough to make me want a second date. For those seeking something as a one and done deal, this might be calling your name. For those seeking a well balanced “sit and enjoy” type dram, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere. Flaviar (Peat it, pet it! Vol .2) 7/21/20

Smooth on the front but warms sharply but not too much then tapers into a mild peat taste. Just a little more peat than I prefer but if I was poured one I would enjoy it. Just not my go to Scotch.

Caught in a forest fire, smoke filling my lungs, I cast my gaze yonder, there is a squirrel that leads me to an ice cold brook. I dunk my head in, slurping up moss and apple and licorice. I stand up, and in my hands I hold an empty bottle of Port Askaig 110 proof.

Peaty with a strong alcohol taste. Nothing amazing.

You definitely get the smoke on the nose and palate. Oily texture, and very light color. Fairly long finish. You can tell it’s a little higher proof, but still very drinkable. A little sweetness that is nice, I notice it more on the finish.