Port Askaig 110 Proof Scotch Review

By Elizabeth Emmons

Rating: A-

Port Askaig 110 Proof
(Credit: Elixir Distillers)

Port Askaig is a real port that is located on the east coast of Islay, and provides one of two main ferry routes to the island. It is located not too far from the Caol Ila Distillery, and its whisky shares many similar, if not the same, qualities.

In my opinon, the Port Askaig 110 Proof expression is almost certainly from the Caol Ila Distillery itself. Port Askaig 110 Proof was the first release of the brand in the United States, in 2017. It is a NAS (non-age statement) release, and there is most certainly a lot of young whisky in there based upon the color and taste. This is not a bad thing if you like a heavily-peated whisky.

The Scotch

Color: A light and bright sunny golden color.

Nose: With the first sniff, the peat and alcohol overpowers, eventually giving way to a distinct forward saltiness that brings to mind sea air, salt cod and smoked herring on toasted bread. With a bit of water, the nose becomes fruitier, with elements of peach and schnapps. The saltiness remains, however, but cereal/yeast are more detectable. Stick your nose into a stack of Saltines and you will get the idea. What I found most interesting about the nose is its creaminess which is unique in super peated whiskies such as this one. It is amazing how a coconut cream-like essence can be nosed without too much digging, even at 110 proof.

Palate: The creaminess is really what sets this apart from its peated competitors and makes this whisky so enjoyable to drink. It is what cuts the (often) aggressive peatiness which many people shy away from and what makes this whisky more balanced, smoother and rounder than its counterparts. It is also what precisely allows other flavors to come through on the palate such as tropical fruit and candied pineapple. Imagine taking a spoonful of coconut cream and then taking a drag of a menthol cigarette – heaven for a peat lover. For such a high proofed whisky, it goes down easily and one would not necessarily guess it was 110.

Finish: Menthol commences the finish, but the creaminess and fruit persist at the conclusion: caramel candies, orange zest and pith, and pineapple again.

The Price
At $75, this may be a little steep for customers who care about the age; however, that is made up for in its high proof.