Port Askaig 8 Years
Port Askaig is a ferry harbour on the Scottish island of Islay. Bottlings under the name are independent bottlings from various distilleries on the whisky island. In principle, you are forced to do a blind tasting without a resolution. Blogs and forums contain hints and guesses, but nobody really knows which distillery you have in your glass.
The panel
Mean 69.5 · spread 1
Value for money 4/5
- Bottler
- Elixir Distillers
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Isle of Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 8 years
- Strength
- 45.8% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
The single malt reveals an interplay of cold smoke, iodised nuances and a hint of medicine. Ash and the smell of cobbles mingle with unexpected notes of peas and bean stew cooked over an open flame. A subtle hint of sour cream rounds off the aromatic profile.
Palate
In the mouth, the whisky presents itself with a delicate ash note, which is accompanied by a pleasant sweetness. A sandy mouthfeel gives it a strange texture. There is also some campfire smoke and a slight alcoholic spiciness. Salty and a little cocoa follow.
Finish
The finish is of medium length. A gentle pinch of spicy notes leaves a pleasant impression, while an intriguing bitterness forms the conclusion.
Verdicts
Marcel
Port Askaig 8 Years presents an intriguing smoky, slightly medicinal nose, but on the palate, it lacks the power and punch I was expecting. The drinking strength is spot on, yet the flavor unfortunately comes across as too tame—almost like a whisky that’s too shy to shine. Still, the unusual notes make it a pleasant companion for relaxed evenings.
Sascha
The structural balance of Port Askaig 8 Years is only partially convincing, as the flavor, despite a decent drinking strength, feels rather weak and lacking in complexity. The aromatic nose with smoke and iodine points to a solid Islay profile, but the sandy mouthfeel and brief bitterness in the finish detract from the overall impression. For fans of more delicate Islay whiskies, it’s an interesting but not very dynamic bottling.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.