So, here is a twist. This one is actually from a distiller unknown, but distributed by the Whisky Exchange out of UK. Here is a quote from thier blog about it:
“The single malts of Islay are arguably Scotland’s most talked about whiskies and are recognised for their sweet, fruity flavours and smoky, peaty character. Port Askaig, Speciality Drinks’ new range of single Islay malt whiskies, achieves the perfect balance of these flavours and embodies the unique spirit of Islay and its people.
The range has been developed to appeal to the novice whisky drinker while meeting the demands of the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs. Speciality Drinks have selected what they consider to be the most perfectly balanced Islay single malt and created a range that they believe will become recognised as a true Islay classic.
Each expression within the range, from the youthful yet powerful Cask Strength, to the perfectly-balanced 17 year old and the elegant and refined 25 Year Old, is bottled in limited batches each expected to last approximately one year. While recognising that each bottling will vary, the aim is to achieve a consistency of quality and character over time. To ensure each whisky maintains its original flavour and character, the whiskies are not chill-filtered and no colouring is added.
In a world of change and innovation, there is still a place for the tried and tested approach. The traditional yet contemporary look of the packaging and expert cask selection will ensure Port Askaig can stand side by side with Islay’s more established brands. Remaining true to the practice of the early 1900’s, we bottle Port Askaig 17 & 25 year old at Imperial 80 proof (today’s 45.8%vol) and Cask Strength at Imperial 100 proof (57.1%vol). ”
As you can see in the pic, this one pours a very light amber color, which mislead my expectations. I figured it would be meek and maybe blaise, but it is tricksie. A defined pungent aroma precedes a full flavor with lingering burn. Ok, not the flash heat of the Abelour, but a comfortable tingle that I at least like in whisky. Another one that could easily find the bottle on it's side quickly (and me beside it) without caution.
Thanks Ned! As my glass is now empty, and Ellie says I have to go do the dishes, I'm tempted by a little devil to put another finger's worth in my glass to get me through that process. It's what I call "loading the dishwasher"... ;>)
Color: pale golden
ReplyDeleteLegs: strong
Nose: A blast of peaty smoke hits the olfactory leaving little doubt to the main flavor here
Taste: As expected, a strong taste of peat. I admit to having trouble getting around that to other flavors.
Finish: kind of short actually, though the warmth in the throat lingers. On second taste however, the finish is not overpowering in your mouth, but it does seem to linger in the back of the throat in a nice way. In the end, I would say the finish is deceptive at first, but long and lasting.
A single drop does not change the nose much, but it somehow brings out even more smoke. This is an excellent example of an Islay. Clearly someone of taste gave this to my brother as a gift, a remarkable person, no doubt. This one continues to warm deep into my chest. Since it is a little higher proof than normal, I also tried a light splash of water. I felt this tamed it for me a little more. Definitely one to sip slowly. Given the 40 degree (F, about 4 degrees C) and rainy weather, it is easy to imagine I am actually in Scotland while tasting this. Thanks Bro, a very fun set of five drams this month!
Port Askaig: that is a distinctively peaty nose! 1st sip: starts sweet, with a little roundness of flavors.. gotta try again. 2nd sip: a fine smooth scotch. Little burn. 3rd sip; vanilla? Lingers. No bite. Licorice. Feels good in the belly. A drop of water as recommended: almost like Bakelite, and not but a little creamy. Still a good drink, but I think I like it better neat. Still has a bit of burn. Pouring another drop from the bottle: ah the definition of smooth sweet peaty. This is one for the porch on a not so cold night during summer in Maine. Hint Bob. And it soothes the old chest cough. Good stuff! It refreshes the taste each sip, although the nose is definitely diffused. For an interesting review (see the uTube video at the end for a good, if somewhat lengthy, laugh at a review by Ralfy) go to
ReplyDeletehttp://scotchhobbyist.com/2009/05/21/port-askaig-17/
I need to start a separate list of the really good ones (Rick has one); sort of build up the ideal whiskey cabinet. This would be in it.
I was intrigued from the first wiff.. definitely a hint of peat but nothing to detract. A scent that you pull in slowly and fills your sences with a feeling of floating.
ReplyDeleteAnd the first taste did not disappoint. Definitely a bit of bite, but not too much. A great scotch for sitting in front of the fire. slight peat overtones.
Ned feel free to give me a bottle anytime.