Port Askaig 12 Years Old Autumn Edition (45.8%, Elixir Distillers, 9000 Bottles, 2020)

• ABV: 45.8%
• Age: 12 Years Old
• Bottling: Elixir Distillers, Port Askaig
• Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £72.95 available from The Whisky Exchange
• Origin: undisclosed Islay
• Vintage: Undeclared

What they say

The limited-edition Autumn Edition Port Askaig 12 Year Old single malt is a combination of nine refill American oak hogsheads, five oloroso sherry butts and three solera sherry butts, bottled in 2020.

Official tasting notes:

• Aromas of cranberries, smoky bacon, black cherries and Christmas pudding fill the nose. The palate offers notes of red grapes, smouldering driftwood, dry seaweed, cherry tomatoes and hawthorn berries.

What I say

Sampled during the WOLS Elixir Distillers tasting hosted by their Brand Ambassador Julie Hamilton. Dram #6 even more peated Islay!

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Sauternes (8/20), medium tears and thick legs.
• Nose: Funky, musty then peaty smoke, salinity/sea breeze, nutty, flor, sticky toffee pudding, dried figs.
• Taste: Funky again on the palate, peaty, earthy/turfy, mushroom, dried fruits, Christmas pudding, brazil nut.
• Finish: Long, peaty, musty, smouldering damp wood.

Overall

Totally different to the Spring edition, matured in ex-sherry butts and solera casks much more funky and nutty than fruity there was more than a little funky old cask in this on, even with all the peat influence I found myself preferring the sweetness of the bourbon/Spring edition.

Score 82/100

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