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