Port Askaig 8 yo

 

 

 

45,8°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill American Oak Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Port Askaig range was founded in 2009 by Specialty Drinks, a bottler whose name changed to become Elixir Distillers. After a few limited editions, the 100% Proof was launched, and the following year came this 8-year-old, simply aged in refill American oak barrels, in order to give all the room to the distillate. The distillery used is Caol Ila, initially it was supposed to be a secret, but now even online sales sites confirm it. On sale since 6 years, this expression is now a mainstay of the brand.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is violently iodised, with oysters and whelks, mud and kelp. Immediately afterwards, a heady, muddy peat, fishy, chalky, black olives, cockles, clams, boutargues. Coarse salt, damp sand. I feel like I'm drinking seawater, wading through sea foam. After a while, some white fruits, plums and chasselas grapes, and a nice fine ash. The palate is fairly smooth, with vanilla, light spices, cumin and nutmeg, it's oily, the peat is present but not overpowering. The finish is also very accommodating, relatively long but not at all aggressive, smooth, almost sweet, with a hint of pastry cream. Candied peppers in olive oil.

 

In Short, 

Great quality. It is very unctuous, and at the same time there is a radical maritime character. The sweetness of the fruit does not soften the brutality of the peat. It is a very representative Islay whisky, quite successful, and which can be found at very low prices. I strongly recommend the purchase.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ren - Violet's Tale