Not all Port Askaig is Caol Ila, as is generally assumed. However, the Port Askaig Cask Strength Small Batch was blended from casks of Caol Ila (and no, by that I don’t mean it is a blended whisky). It is part of the brand’s new range that was launched late last year.
Port Askaig is, of course, also the name of the small harbour village on Islay where you can take the ferry to Jura, or hop on one that takes you back to the mainland. The nearest distillery is Caol Ila, so it makes sense that Port Askaig Single Malt would rely on stocks of Caol Ila. Even more so because it is the most readily available Islay single malt to brokers and bottlers.
And yet there are examples of Bunnahabhain being bottled as Port Askaig. Here is one, for example. I believe the Port Askaig 45 Years was too. But really, that’s neither here nor there, because the Port Askaig Cask Strength Small Batch is a young, high-strength Caol Ila. It matured in 25% first-fill toasted ex-bourbon barrels and 75% refill American oak hogsheads. One batch consists of no more than 60 casks.
Port Askaig Cask Strength (59.4%, Elixir Distillers, Batch 01-2023)
Nose: Rather coastal immediately, with notes of shellfish, oyster and dried seaweed, followed by some hints of charcoal, plaster, sweet vanilla and smoked barley husks. Also a sliver of wet pebbles, charred lime peel and just a drop of iodine.
Taste: Plenty of sweet peat, some peanut skin and creamy Macadamia, but also citrus-y and soft minerals. The oak is rather present. A good deal of char as well, followed by orange marmelade and sauerkraut.
Finish: Long. Smoke, some iodine and white chocolate. Somewhat dry as well.
Photo: Whiskybase
