This whisky is a new addition to the core range of Islay single malt brand Port Askaig. Each batch of the whisky will consist of just 20 ex-Oloroso sherry butts sourced from Jose y Miguel Martin, a renowned cooperage in Spain. It joins the 8-, 15- and 17 Year Olds in the core range, alongside the recently re-introduced 100 Proof. All have been created by Oliver Chilton, the Head Blender for owners Elixir Distillers.
Port Askaig is a small hamlet on the east coast of the famous whisky island of Islay. It is best know these days as home to one of the Hebridean island’s two ferry ports. There is no distillery at Port Askaig, although Caol Ila is very close, but the name encompasses Islay, its heritage and its people. This allows owners Elixir Distillers to select and bottle whiskies from all over the island in small batches. For more details on the brand, please visit www.portaskaig.com.
The Port Askaig Sherry Cask is released at 50.5% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It, and the rest of the range, are available through selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK and beyond. The small batch release will sell for £65 a bottle.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep coppery amber and the nose is smoky, sweet and rich. There is a savoury and umami, almost meaty, aroma to begin that is reminiscent of porcini mushroom and roast beef. Then comes the sweetness – think of caramel and toffee with some vanilla toffee and muscovado sugar. Dried raisin and sultana evolve too, as does some bitter orange. An ashy, earthy smoke is present throughout.
On the palate this whisky is rich, sweet and luscious. The peat smoke is much more immediately dominant and has a distinct ashy edge. This is reminscent of smouldering embers with a hint of coal tar soap and medicinal iodine. A further hint of salinity accentuates these acrid smoky notes. A pinch of ginger powder, plus hints of clove and liquorice root add depth.
The lusciousness is dominated by notes of milk chocolate coated raisin and sweet caramel. A sprinkling of brown sugar and cocoa powder add to this and sit alongside dried cherry, plump sultana and bitter orange marmalade. It is a heady mix when combined with the smoke. A hint of toasted hazelnut comes through nicely, as do suggestions of marzipan and that savoury umami from the nose.
The finish is long and warming with the ashy peat smoke to the fore. This wraps around everything and its charred, burnt quality drags the finish out. The sweeter elements and the dried fruit fade nicely to reveal some peppery spice. This lingers well and provides a mouthwatering warmth and dryness. Makes you want to reach for another sip.
What’s The Verdict?
A superb whisky from Elixir Distillers and one that superbly marries the characteristics of good peaty Islay whisky with those from exquisite ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The balance is perfect – each element compliments and balances the other. This is a must buy for the peaty whisky fanantics who like their rich sherried styles. A fine whisky at a fine price. Excellent.
