45,8°
Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay
American Oak Barrels and 1st Fill, Refill Boutbon, Toasted American Oak, PX Sherry Finish
Independent Bottling
By Elixir Distillers
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Let's keep on exploring Port Askaig's new range. The famous 8 Year Old has been replaced by another version of itself, with a much more complex maturation. First, 3 years in American Oak Barrels, then the next 5 years in a selection of Bourbon Barrels, Toasted American Oak Barrels, Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts, and Refill Hogsheads. How could such a complex maturation have occurred to Oliver Chilton, Elixir Distillers' Master Blender? The fact is that the 8yo is now the only expression of the Core Range at Port Askaig, and the alcohol content remains unchanged.
Let's Taste It :
Very iodised at first, with the much-loved typical Caol Ila profile of sea spray, tide, limestone, sea breeze, deep peat with a hint of soot and ash, this is gradually pushed aside by the influence of the casks, with creamy vanilla, zesty lemon and some white fruits, but also the roundness and red fruits of the Sherry, in the background. Nice balance. The palate is pleasant, dominated by fruits and liquorice, with greasy peat behind. Some seafood and adventurous spices. The finish is lovely, long and iodised, with burnt tyres, iodine, a dash of salt, boutargues and coal.
In Short,
Maturation has made its effect, and this new recipe gives a much more complex result than the previous 8-year-old. However, I liked the old 8 yo, with its tons of iodine and refreshing tide. It was straight to the point, which is not the case with this one, which seems to be hesitating about which profile to adopt, Sherry, Bourbon, or giving free rein to the distillery's profile. There's a bit of all that, but nothing definitive. Honestly, I prefer the old 8 yo, which at least didn't dither. And it was cheaper.
Score : 86
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Dead Vibrations - Reflections
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