Port Askaig 12 Years ‘Autumn Edition’ is a limited release single malt which should show a different side of the Islay character. Whereas the Spring Edition was composed from bourbon casks, this is a mix of 9 refill American oak hogsheads, 5 Oloroso sherry butts and 3 solera sherry butts.
Port Askaig 12 yo – Autumn Edition (45,8%, Elixir Distillers 2020, 9000 btl.)
Nose: rather elegant. Camphor, an embering campfire, smoked bacon and moist leafy notes. A light sourness of cranberries, with a darker, sweeter fruitiness underneath. Worn leather. Roasted chestnuts and coffee beans. Hints of cigar boxes and light gunpowder notes. Not a sherry bomb per se, but everything is there, in a well balanced composition.
Mouth: dried seaweed at first with fresh lemony and coastal notes, before picking up warmth and autumnal character. Leathery notes and tobacco, some blackberries and oak spice. A toasted note.
Finish: long, with a fruity kind of sherry influence and maritime smoke.
A highly drinkable, nicely sherried version of Port Askaig which basically ticks all the boxes for an elegant fireside whisky. Recommended. Available from The Whisky Exchange of course, and many local retailers.