This third batch of Port Askaig 30 year old is the first to be bottled at cask strength. The vatting was just too good to add water to it, or so it seems.

Port Askaig 30 years ‘Cask strength’
(51,1%, Specialty Drinks 2012)

Nose: unexpectedly fruity, with pleasant notes of sugared lime juice, passion fruit and banana. Classic yellow apples. Vanilla pods. There’s a soft smoky veil but it’s far from a smoke bomb. Hints of chalk and seaweed. A little eucalyptus. A delicious nose. Mouth: this is where the extra alcohol starts to show. Medium peat now, with a peppery kick. Leather and walnuts. Hints of liquorice and camphor. Actually a little rougher than I expected, fruits are now limited to lemon and lemon zest. Maybe hints of green banana as well. Finish: long, with echoes of cold smoke and soft medicinal notes.

This one is kind of a Janus. The nose is excellent, both intensely fruity and delicately peaty. The palate is more powerful and dry. Great quality, but a little expensive. Around € 230.

Score: 90/100