Port Askaig was launched in 2009 by Speciality Drinks / The Whisky Exchange. While the distillery is still undisclosed but it’s commonly assumed to be Coal Ila.
The newest addition to the range is called Port Askaig Harbour 19 years old. It will replace the 17 years old and it’s still bottled at the classic strength of Imperial 80 proof.
Port Askaig ‘Harbour’ 19 yo
(45,8%, Speciality Drinks 2011)
Port Askaig ‘Harbour’ 19 yoNose: starts on citrus and malty notes (Hob Nob cookies) quickly assisted by coastal hints (wet gravel and sand), wood smoke and gentle phenols. Well balanced, with a shy vanilla sweetness in the background.
Mouth: a slightly soft attack. Plenty of lemon, sweet peat, salt water and cocoa dust. Quite an excellent profile but it feels a little thin in the middle. Luckily it picks up strength soon enough, while displaying soft hints of grapefruit and more obvious medicinal notes.
Finish: long, with a clean smokiness, some dusty notes and a soft grapefruit edge.
It’s good to see evolution in the Port Askaig series. In any case the 17yo is replaced by a worthy 19yo that’s on the same level (with a slightly higher price). No surprises here. Available from TWE and shops overseas in the near future. Supposedly under € 70.
Score: 86/100