Port Askaig 12 Year Spring Edition (Bottled 2020)

Last night I opened one of my samples... I was in the mood for an Islay. This is from an "unknown" Islay distillery, bottled by The Whisky Exchange. I believe it's from a Bourbon cask. I'm a firm believer that most of TWE's selections fall into the "good" to "great" category. They are the only ones who somehow managed to pick a good New Zealander (Thompson Saison cask), and they have bottled one of my top 3 ever (a 21-year-old single sherry cask Laphroaig). Aroma: Salty air and phenols. Some honey. Taste: Salt, ashes, and peat. Sweetness is well-integrated, with an almost honey-like backbone. This is good. It's likely a Caol Ila. One of the better youngish Caol Ila expressions I've had.

I enjoyed the prominent peat and smoke on the nose, and the lingering saltiness on the palate. It offered spice in all the right places with a lively, citrusy lightness.

Smells of burnt bacon, salt, and medicinal notes. It's spicy with a hint of raisin. Evokes images of fresh air, a peat fire in Northern Ireland, and heather-covered bogs.

Smoky fires Salty pork belly A coastal Scotch - the outdoors

Silky, gentle kick, nice taste