These two single malt whiskies form part of the recently-revamped core range from Islay single malt brand of Port Askaig, which is owned by Elixir Distillers. There are three new whiskies in total, which come with the new tagline of The Gateway to Islay.
The range kicks off with the core Port Askaig 8 years old and this features an intricate marriage of cask types. Initial maturation is in ex-bourbon casks with an extended five year finish in a selection of ex-bourbon and toasted American oak barrels, plus ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry butts and re-fill hogsheads.
The 17 years old sits at the top of the range and is planned to be an annual release. Each batch will consist of just 9,000 bottles. This first batch has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and bottled at the natural strength of 51.8% ABV.
The third whisky in the range is Port Askaig Cask Strength. The Cask Strength will evolve with each batch with Batch #01-2023 aged in first-fill toasted ex-bourbon barrels and re-fill American oak hogsheads. Each batch will never be made from more than 60 casks. It is bottled at 59.4% ABV.
All three expressions from an undisclosed Islay distillery and are both non chill-filtered and of natural colour. The Port Askaig 8 years old will cost £50, while the Port Askaig 17 years old will be £125. The Port Askaig Cask Strength will retail for £65.
Our Tasting Notes
Port Askaig 8 years old
The colour is bright gold and the nose is full of ash-like peat smoke aromas. These have a bitter and medicinal edge. Underneath are further aromas of sweet honey, milk chocolate and toffee apple. There are also hints of damp moss, lemon zest and something mineralic.
On the palate this whisky is instantly punchy and peaty. The smoke again has an ashy edge and is reminiscent of dying bonfire embers. This gives a pleasant dryness and accentuates the mineralic element from the nose. Underneath sit further savoury notes - these include burnt oat biscuits, damp moss and a hint of drying seaweed.
Much needed sweetness develops in the form of honey and vanilla fudge, with cinnamon-spiced apple and creamy milk chocolate also coming through well. A late peppery kick and hints of liquorice root and clove. The finish is long and becomes increasingly ashy, dry and hot.
Port Askaig 17 years old
The colour is pale lemon yellow and the nose is refined, smoky and ashy. Aromas of soft, medicinal peat smoke lead the way with extra depth added by underlying notes of burnt hay and dried grass. Then come further aromas of caramel, butterscotch and plenty of vanilla. Hints of cocoa powder, coconut and white pepper round things off.
On the palate this whisky has a distinct elegance. A lovely note of burnt bitter orange peel is to the fore and is quickly joined by the butterscotch and caramel from the nose, plus some white chocolate and vanilla essence. This combination gives a lovely creamy, soft and sweet feel.
The peat smoke is never far away and creates a warming foundation for all other characteristics to integrate with. The smoke is soft and ashy, like bonfire embers that have long died out. Something bitter and herbal sits in the background, as do hints of creamed coconut and cocoa powder. The finish is long and slowly fades to reveal a lovely biscuity note and a hint of orange fondant.
What's The Verdict?
We really enjoyed the previous expressions of Port Askaig, but these new releases show a distinct evolution. As a result we cannot also wait to sample the Cask Strength Batch #01-2023. The two here show perfectly what happens to Islay whisky as it matures - the 8 years old is feisty, ashy and mineralic while in the 17 years old the ashiness has mellowed and integrated superbly with the other characteristics on show. Both are delicious and well worth a try.
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