54,2°
Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay
Refill Hogshead
Independent Bottling
By Elixir Distillers
Limited Edition
Single Cask
Bottled in 2025
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Peated around 35 ppm
The Port Askaig range was launched by Elixir Distillers, then known as Speciality Drinks, in 2009. The aim was to pay tribute to Islay whisky, and more specifically to Caol Ila, as most Port Askaig whiskies actually come from this distillery. I'm not entirely sure if this is the case here, but the profile matches, and La Maison du Whisky website is quite explicit on this point. This bottling was selected to be part of the Collection Itinéraires launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025. 280 bottles were put on sale.
Let's Taste It :
There are fruits in there, pear, quince, and even almond, but there is also everything that makes Islay what it is: fuel oil, diesel and coal, sea foam, coarse sea salt and sea spray, grassy peat, mineral notes, chalk, quartz, limestone, powerful and captivating smoke. There is also a good dose of lemon and vanilla. On the palate, it's more like clafoutis, fruit cooked with eggs, a thick layer of peat and dry herbs, a slight medicinal touch, powerful spices, pepper and cumin. Long and violent finish, digging deep into the earth, shortbread biscuits, candied fruit, seaweed and kelp, cold ashes, thyme and rosemary.
In Short,
For me, it's a classic Islay, certainly a Caol Ila, with everything you need to enjoy it, and some pleasant fruity notes. Perhaps there were a few staves from a sherry cask in the Refill Hogshead. That said, it's also possible that it's a Lagavulin, I could be wrong. In any case, if you like this profile, you'll have a good time tasting this stuff. Only the price is a little off-putting.
Score : 89
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Sun Descends Alone - Once
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