Port Askaig 12 Year Autumn Edition (Bottled 2020)

Nose: mild peat that masks any other scent. It's so subtle and, I'd venture to say, "flawless" that you don't miss anything else. Palate: mirrors the nose: a gentle and flawless peat, with sweet honey and shortbread, light caramel, and raisins. Very light, it seems much richer than the stated 45.8% ABV. Finish: medium-short, starting with peat and ending (sadly) with bitterness. An excellent whiskey, delicate and very easy to drink, though it lacks the body and character of other great peated whiskies like Port Charlotte or Caol Ila. Rating: 4.25

I typically prefer sherry casks, and while this one was enjoyable, I felt it dulled the peat and complexity a bit too much when compared directly to its sister Spring expression. I wouldn't refuse it by any means, as it was still a lovely dram, though I'd probably reach for an Ardbeg Uigeadail if I were looking for a sherried Islay.

Heavy smoke on the nose, dry and like charcoal. It lacks the wetness I'd expect from Laphroaig, leaning more towards ash. The initial taste isn't overwhelmingly peaty, surprisingly well-rounded. Traditional scotch sweetness is present, with the smoke arriving forcefully at the finish. It's intense and spicy, with smoke being more prominent than peat. Notes of charcoal and campfire persist, yet it remains a pleasant drink.

Nose: delicate, subtle smell, seawater, light smoke, hint of raisins and herbs Palate: much stronger than you would expect from the nose. Smoke, some sweetness, vibrant, fresh (seems to 'sparkle') Finish: spicy, laurel, some bitter, quickly becoming less intense, but lasting long.

The aroma carries the scent of smoke from toy cap guns mixed with vanilla. The taste offers mild smoke and fruit notes.