Port Askaig Cask Strength

This is the last of the three malts I bought on my holiday travels at the recommendation of the gents working at Nicks Wine Merchants. He said that if I liked any of the Caol Ila offerings, I would like this.

Immediately upon opening the bottle I am hit with the similarity. The Port Askaig has a similar vegetative mossy peat smell that hits as soon as the cork comes out. After pouring and taking a minute or two to let the glass and whisky warm in my hand, it opens up with hints of old leather, tobacco, peat smoke, brine, with subtle fruity and vanilla notes. A lot of depth here!

The taste is filled with moss, oak, rich damp earth and a hint of honey over a warm wave of peat, smoke with subtle notes of brine and a gentle spicy tingle. Mouth-watering.

The finish is of medium length, lasting around 5 minutes, and is a continuation of the taste as the more subtle flavours of honey, brine and spice slowly fade leaving behind the dominating damp, mossy peat smoke as this drams finale.

There is a rumour that the Port Askaig is rumoured to be a rebranding of Caol Ila spirit, and I can see why. It is fairly similar in base taste to the Caol Ila 8 year old bottling I have. I don't know if it is or not, but it is certainly good enough for me not to care!

Find where to buy Port Askaig whisky