Port Askaig 45 Year Old - 70cl 40.8%

A 45 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from an undisclosed Islay distillery, presented as part of the Speciality Drinks Port Askiag range.

Port Askaig 45 Year Old is an old Islay style that is almost completely lost today.

Matured in five sherry butts, this expression was distilled in 1968 and bottled at a cask strength of 40.8%.

Fruit driven, with next to no smoke and with an abundance of tropical fruits such as mangoes and papayas, this is a very rare whisky and one to be savoured.

Despite this whisky’s origins on Islay, its long ageing has allowed the smokiness of the spirit to fade and develop into something quite special.

It’s run through with fruit and elegant herbal notes that demand attention: a rare dram that rewards careful examination.

Nose: Rich, thick and fruity; tropical and orchard fruit intertwine, with apples and pears sat alongside unripe mango, star fruit and papaya. The gentle acidity of the fruit is balanced by sweet and sticky notes of honey and nectar.

Palate: Rich, navel-orange bittersweetness is joined by fleshy mangos and warming spice. With that is a contrasting herbal character, with green tea and mint leaves providing fresh and green notes.

Finish: Long, with fruit becoming herbal before settling on a fresh and cooling mint and menthol end.