The Portsoy single malt is named for a village near the distillery, and is the peated entry of the three. It’s a no age statement (NAS) malt, aged in a mix of ex-bourbon, Sherry and Port casks. It is also bottled at 49.1% ABV, which is high for a Scotch Whisky, which typically tends to peak at 46% ABV unless it is bottled at cask strength.
The Scotch
Portsoy has a light amber coloring in the glass. The nose isn’t quite Islay, nor should it be: the peat of the mainland is noted for burning hotter, and consequently not as smoky, as the peat of the islands. So the coastal saline and smoky influences are more restrained; a base of caramel, licorice and fruity sweetness accented by a briny, soy umami and a whiff of smoke. That umami aspect turns earthy once it gets on your palate, causing some of the other elements to evolve into something more chocolatey along with it. Accordingly, the salty note becomes less sea spray and more artisanal candy.
