Port Askaig expands its Islay single malt range

The line-up of Islay single malt whiskies from Port Askaig is about to become its best yet with two new additions to the core range – the re-release of Port Askaig 100 Proof and a new release in the form of Port Askaig Sherry Cask.

Originally released in 2015, Port Askaig 100 Proof was championed by critics and adored by enthusiasts, who believe it set a benchmark for high-strength, bourbon-matured Islay single malt. However, access to consistent liquid, without compromise, became difficult and led to it being discontinued. Now the time has come for the much-loved single malt to join the likes of Oasis, Tamagotchis and vinyl records, and stage a comeback.

Port Askaig 100 Proof returns to join the core range of ongoing Port Askaig expressions from late April. Matured exclusively in unrinsed first-fill bourbon barrels and bottled in small batches of approximately 60 casks, this Islay single malt balances lemon zest and caramel chocolate with peat smoke.

Further enriching the line-up alongside 100 Proof comes a high-strength sherry-matured expression, Port Askaig Sherry Cask. This modern sherry style owes its rich flavour to the Oloroso sherry butts, exclusively sourced from the renowned Spanish cooperage of Jose y Miguel Martin. Bottled in a small batch of 20 Oloroso sherry butts, this will appeal to Islay fans who enjoy more complex sherry styles full of rich notes of ginger, dark chocolate, and zesty orange, balanced with herbaceous peat smoke.

Head blender Oliver Chilton says: "We have now nurtured the 100 Proof spirit since distillation, allowing us to deliberately shape a rich flavour profile, with earthy bourbon-cask sweetness and balanced peat smoke, ideal for bottling at high-strength. And to make sure our line-up of whiskies is as balanced as the whisky itself, a refined sherry cask expression was needed."

At Port Askaig we strive to create the revered iconic Islay flavour profile of the past. Adding these two new expressions, we are confident we have achieved the perfect balance and variety to satisfy every Islay whisky enthusiast.

The Port Askaig core range will be: Port Askaig 8 Year Old, Port Askaig 100 Proof*, Port Askaig Sherry Cask and Port Askaig 15 Year Old (currently transitioning from 17 Year Old).

*Please note the product is 110 Proof in the US market.

Port Askaig 100 Proof: 57.1% / 70cl / £59.95 UK RRP / Available at independent retailers from early May

Nose: Toasted rye bread with butter, honey and lemon zest. Dark brooding coal smoke swirls around the glass with baked lemon and warm milk chocolate.

Palate: Initially bright with wonderful citrus and a touch of ginger. Peat smoke and light caramel sweetness coming through alongside aniseed and lemongrass.

Finish: The herbal elements linger with chocolate limes and raspberry leaf.

Port Askaig Sherry Cask: 50.5% / 70cl / £64.95 UK RRP / Available at independent retailers from early May

Nose: Smoked damson jam and blackcurrant cordial. Cracked black pepper over seared steak with navel orange and a hint of liquorice.

Palate: Dense with piles of jammy fruit and coal smoke. Dark chocolate-covered cherries alongside peppercorn sauce and BBQ meats.

Finish: Dark chocolate nibs and tarragon and dried mint carrying notes of boozy berries.

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