Port Askaig 8 Years
Port Askaig is a ferry harbour on the Scottish island of Islay. Bottlings under the name are independent bottlings from various distilleries on the whisky island. In principle, you are forced to do a blind tasting without a resolution. Blogs and forums contain hints and guesses, but nobody really knows which distillery you have in your glass.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The single malt reveals an interplay of cold smoke, iodised nuances and a hint of medicine. Ash and the smell of cobbles mingle with unexpected notes of peas and bean stew cooked over an open flame. A subtle hint of sour cream rounds off the aromatic profile.
Palate
In the mouth, the whisky presents itself with a delicate ash note, which is accompanied by a pleasant sweetness. A sandy mouthfeel gives it a strange texture. There is also some campfire smoke and a slight alcoholic spiciness. Salty and a little cocoa follow.
Finish
The finish is of medium length. A gentle pinch of spicy notes leaves a pleasant impression, while an intriguing bitterness forms the conclusion.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100
Port Askaig 8 Years presents an intriguing smoky, slightly medicinal nose, but on the palate, it lacks the power and punch I was expecting. The drinking strength is spot on, yet the flavor unfortunately comes across as too tame—almost like a whisky that’s too shy to shine. Still, the unusual notes make it a pleasant companion for relaxed evenings.
Sascha 70/100
The structural balance of Port Askaig 8 Years is only partially convincing, as the flavor, despite a decent drinking strength, feels rather weak and lacking in complexity. The aromatic nose with smoke and iodine points to a solid Islay profile, but the sandy mouthfeel and brief bitterness in the finish detract from the overall impression. For fans of more delicate Islay whiskies, it’s an interesting but not very dynamic bottling.
Value for Money: Good
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Why is the distillery behind Port Askaig 8 Years not officially known?
Port Askaig 8 Years is released by independent bottlers who blend or select whiskies from various Islay distilleries without disclosing the exact origin. This creates a blind tasting experience where only guesses about the provenance are possible.
Which aromas make Port Askaig 8 Years particularly distinctive?
The whisky is characterized by a combination of cold smoke, iodine notes, and medicinal hints. The profile is complemented by unusual nuances such as peas and bean stew over an open flame, a subtle sour cream touch, as well as a salty and slightly bitter note on the finish.
How does the 45.8% alcohol content influence the tasting experience of Port Askaig 8 Years?
At 45.8% ABV, Port Askaig 8 Years offers a balanced interplay of intensity and drinkability. The alcohol enhances the smoky and spicy notes without being harsh, supporting the complex texture with a sandy mouthfeel and a light campfire smoke character.