Port Askaig is a range of Islay single malt whiskies that embodies the unique spirit of Islay and its people. Its character brings together the robust smokiness and soft fruitiness found in this beguiling island.
The range has been developed to appeal to the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs while also appealing to the novice whisky drinker. We have selected exceptional casks of Islay single malt and created a range that we believe will become recognised as an Islay classic.
A REAL PLACE, OUR NAME, OUR REPUTATION
We are a real place, not a distillery. The entry point to Islay’s Northeast coast. Port Askaig is also a name with a reputation for great tasting whisky, which we will always uphold. Since 2009 our whiskies have won multiple awards from prestigious competitions across the globe and high praise from respected reviewers and acclaimed publications.
Port Askaig 8yr
MATURATION
Specially selected casks of 3 year old Islay whisky matured in American Oak Casks are further matured for a minimum of 5 years by Oliver Chilton, Master Blender of Elixir Distillers, in a selection of Bourbon Barrels, Toasted American Oak Barrels, PX Sherry Butts, and Refill Hogsheads; then blended to create this gentle Islay Single Malt Scotch we call our Gateway to Islay.
THE TASTE
Intriguing, gentle, but definitely Islay Whisky. While still true to the essence of Islay, careful blending of the further matured whisky offers more unique flavor notes than most traditional Islay whiskies.
45.8% abv.
NOSE: Charcoal smoke with lemon oil and pine. Gingerbread and dark chocolate nibs sit against toasted vanilla sticks with background hints of smoked butter and tarred rope.
PALATE: A rich palate with heather honey on seeded toast. Classic notes of lemon bitters and grilled grapefruit are tempered by sweeter flavors of ginger snaps and Biscoff biscuits. With time in the glass a heady peppercorn sauce starts to develop.
FINISH: Dark chocolate and stemmed ginger notes soften into melon and prosciutto, lingering and evolving with a warmth of chili spice.
2025 IWSC – Gold, 95 points
2025 International Spirits Challenge – Gold
2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Double Gold, 98 points
2022 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards – Gold, 93 Points
2020 SFWSC – Gold Medal
2020 WoW – Best in Show, Gold Outstanding and Best in Class, Gold
Port Askaig Cask Strength
SMALL BATCH PRODUCTION
No more than 60 casks will make up each batch. Each cask is selected for the notes it will bring to the whisky. Each batch will have a unique code and show the cask breakdown which enables the recipient, each year, to contrast, compare and explore the different notes that the wood and blending brings to this Islay Scotch Whisky.
THE TASTE
As natural as it comes. As each batch will be bottled at cask strength and the cask recipe will change, every year the taste will vary; bringing complex flavors to enjoy. The 2023 batch uses the cask selection to create layers of sweetness, zest intertwined with the classic smoke of Islay.
59.4% abv
NOSE: Lemon and orange oil with cracked black pepper explodes out of the glass. With time, notes of toasted seeded bread with homemade marmalade and freshly baked cinnamon swirls appear, complemented by a rich charcoal smoke.
PALATE: Initially fresh and clean with salt and pepper crackers, lime juice and smoked meat. An oily density carries cinnamon and nutmeg spice, followed by a touch of aniseed. A lovely sweet smoke balances the savory feel.
FINISH: The spice and smoke linger, with a dense, almost toffee like feel developing notes of a combination of wood char and caramelized mackerel.
Port Askaig 17 yr
Gentle, Floral, and Untainted – Annual Release of an Aged Limited Edition
In 2023 Port Askaig releases a 17-year-old matured in traditional American Oak casks, chosen for their quality and age, blended and bottled at 50.5% to capture the best taste experience. 528 Bottles are available for the US. Aged Islay whiskies are sought after for their taste, maturity, and limited nature.
Intriguing, floral but definitely Islay. Still true to the essence of Islay, through careful selection and blending of casks containing aged Islay whiskies our Port Askaig 17-year-old offers more unique flavor notes than most traditional Islay Whiskies. Each year the age, ABV, cask recipe, and tasting notes will change.
Nose: A charcuterie board in the midday sun with ripe melon, rich serrano ham, and plum green grapes. Layers of bonfire smoke and salted caramel build in waves offset by lemon and orange oil.
Palate: Dense smoke with a wonderful minerality carries a balance of raspberry leaf and milk chocolate across the palate. Red fruits notes mingle with citrus, developing into a lemon curd and blackcurrant jam while the typical medicinal smoke ebbs and flows.
Finish: More herbaceous notes come through with a return to the smoked melon that lingers for ages.
2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Gold, 90 points
Port Askaig 25 yr
Elegant, Warm, Vibrant
Port Askaig 25-Year-Old Islay Single Malt has been bottled from a specially selected batch of casks from an undisclosed Islay distillery. Without detailed information on the provenance of the whisky, we selected these casks based on their exceptional flavor and full-bodied texture. Time has bestowed this whisky with rich floral notes studded with leather and spice, perfectly complementing its robust peaty character. Bottled at 45.8%, this is a memorable dram that deserves to be savored to the last drop.
NOSE:Coal smoke meets tropical bursts of pineapple, lychee, and guava, mellowing into florals, peach, and burnt matchsticks.
PALATE: The palate is rich with pastrami, saucisson, rye crackers, and chargrilled vegetables, alongside leather, nutmeg, and grapefruit.
FINISH: A lingering finish of herbs and dry woodsmoke.
2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge – 95 pts, Finalist
2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Double Gold Medal
2022 World Whiskies Awards: Category Winner, Round 1, Scotland, Single Batch Single Malt 21 Years & Over, Scotch Islay