Port Askaig 8 Year Old - 70cl 45.8%

Specialty Drinks, an independent bottler that sources single malt from an undisclosed distillery in Islay to bottle under the Port Askaig label.

The Port Askaig range launched in 2009 with three expressions (Cask Strength, 17 and 25 year old). All three were strongly rumoured to hail from Caol Ila.

Over the past near-decade the brand has steadily expanded, covering a variety of age statements (8 up to 45), higher ABVs and single cask releases.

But, it would be wrong to assume that the liquid contents have remained identical throughout.

This peaty expression, at 8 years old, is the youngest in their lineup and is bottled at 45.8% ABV.

Nose: Zesty lemon, smoke, and iodine notes at first sniff, followed by buttery vanilla and cut grass.

Palate: The palate is surprisingly sweet with caramel paste, honey-glazed barbecued bacon slices, lemongrass and charcoal.

Finish: The finish is a bit spicier.