Port Askaig is a range of Islay single malt whiskies that embodies the unique spirit of Islay and its people. Nestled into the north coast of the island, Port Askaig has been the gateway to Islay for hundreds of years. It seemed right to name this range of whisky after this magical place. There is no distillery at Port Askaig, instead the name has been used to bottle and showcase specially select casks from the distilleries around Islay which reveals a variety of expressions.
Port Askaig 28 Year Old Islay single malt has been bottled from a specially selected batch of casks from an undisclosed Islay distillery. Without detailed information on the provenance of the whisky, the casks were selected based on the superb quality of the whisky, with its rich elegance perfectly matching the Port Askaig style. Time has given this dram wonderful complexity, while retaining its peaty, coastal character. Bottled at 45.8%, this is a generous and highly individual whisky, perfect for savouring by the fireside. Although the distillery is un named, the style and taste is very similar to, and not unlike Laphroaig.
Tasting Note
Nose - Complex mix of medicine cabinets, fresh mint, pine resin, smoked tea leaves and hospital laundry drying on the breeze. Almond flakes, kirschwasser, lychee, guava and pineapple rings in syrup follow. With water, there’s a background of vanilla pods and burnt caramel.
Palate - Oily, generous and meaty with pancetta-wrapped chicken legs, cured speck with bay leaves and salted Padrón peppers. Rich coconut butter, orange peel and Portuguese custard tarts dusted with cinnamon aren’t far behind, while distant fields of wild violets, lavender and camphor trees bring a freshness to the table.
Finsih - There’s plenty of lingering woodsmoke here, as well as rosemary, menthol and liquorice. It leaves you immediately ready for another sip.
Even after plenty of time to mellow, the peat takes centre stage alongside a fresh herbal bouquet. A dram that brings constant surprises