Port Askaig 100 Proof Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Jim Murray's 2017 Runner up for Best No Age Statement Whisky of the year (Multiple casks). 96.5 points.

We first tasted whiskies under the Port Askaig label several years ago and found them to be immensely appealing. These fruity-smokey styles are sourced from an "unknown Islay distillery" (word is that it's Caol Ila) and bottled by Specialty Drinks Ltd., also responsible for the "Elements of Islay" range. Port Askaig's 100 proof edition was launched in 2015 and has now been discontinued globally. "100° Proof" equates to 57.1% in the traditional system of alcohol measurement, different to the 100 proof you're more likely to see on American whiskeys.

As there's no distillery called Port Askaig, this dram has been named after the ancient ferry port and fishing harbour situated on the east coast of Islay. The whisky was matured in refill ex-bourbon casks and bottled without an age statement, though the youngest component is reported to be seven years old. The rest will be considerably older. The nose offers a classic Islay sniff: a sultry amalgam of smoke-infused brine and pepper combined with baked citrus and latent creamy vanillas. What sets this apart is the oily, mouth coating delivery, the peat perfectly tuned with the thick malt, then viscous and saline to finish, the oils oozing sooty peat with hints of cured meats and late jaffa in the aftertaste. Near 60% but you'd never know it. Of all the Port Askaigs we've tasted since, this remains the pick of the bunch and comes with the highest recommendation. Buy one to drink and another to collect. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... what perfect oak must have been deployed here. No off notes or buzz. Just the insistent and steadying hand of vanilla / butterscotch to add a gentle counter to the spice and smoke. ; just exemplary, high quality Islay; a must experience malt. If you find a more beautifully paced, weighted and elegant Islay this year, I'd really like to hear about it." 96.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2018

Very enjoyable, and definitely great value for money. The finish falls off a little, and it's not overly complex, but if you dig these flavours (like I do), it's definitely a winner! Pure, unadulterated Caol Ila, but nicely amplified and concentrated over the regular official bottlings. Lovely. I must admit I sometimes shy away from independent and/or mystery bottlings that I'm not familiar with, but there's no reason to do so in this case. These guys clearly know what they're doing. If you're a fan of Caol Ila but you wish they'd turn up the volume, or you've had your fill of the standard bottlings, this is a sure-fire way to satisfy that desire.
3.5 Stars - peatedperfection.blogspot.com.au