Port Askaig Cask Strength Small Batch #01-2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Other reviews... Are all NAS necessarily underwhiskies? That's up for debate... In any case, if the age isn't known here, we know it's ¼ toasted bourbon (rejuvenated barrels, I suppose) and ¾ American oak (just regular hogsheads, I suppose). Colour: pale white wine. Nose: honestly, it's very fine, with notes of nail polish, lime, ginger tonic, sourdough, wheat beer, plaster, porridge, and some rather elegant and discreet peat With water: very subtle hints of anise and hops. Mouth (neat): sweet yet tart, very citrusy, but with a slightly fatty woodiness. I think it's close to the official CI Cask Strength, but it's been a while since I've tasted the latter. Do they still make it? With water: nice, but there's always a somewhat thick and fatty aspect to the wood. Finish: long, oily in the mouth. In theory, it's the fresh wood that should do that. Comments: very good, I just have a clear preference for the rather marvellous 17-year-old. 85 points - whiskyfun.com

...This new Cask Strength Port Askaig, subtly labelled “Gateway to Islay” also moves from a core release to an annual (or at least periodical) limited, small batch release. Understandable in the face of challenges in late 2023... A big, strong, powerful, young Caol Ila, just how I like it. It doesn’t say on the label of course, but in this writer's opinion, we can be pretty certain it is from that distillery. It’s the old cliché of beachside barbecues, maritime air and thick, ashen smoke that we often find with Islay malts, but this is a particularly good example. The sweet, earthy, salty, meaty and smoky notes all intertwine beautifully. Very good indeed. - dramface.com