Lower East Side Blended Malt vs Port Askaig 12 Year Old

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lower East Side Blended MaltPort Askaig 12 Year Old
DistilleryLower East SidePort Askaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%45.8%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£29.9£44.33
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Port Askaig 12 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Askaig 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £44.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £44.33)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Askaig 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£44.33 vs £29.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Port?

Port Askaig 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Port Askaig 12 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOld WoodOily

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