Port Askaig 2004 Single Vintage for The Nectar

Port Askaig, from the British Specialty Drinks, is often Caol Ila in disguise (but not always!), like this 13 year old single vintage that was selected by Belgian bottler and importer The Nectar. While the nose starts rather subtle, it is unmistakably Caol Ila with its maritime traits, truckload of citrus and some crystal sugar. Smoke trout, sea weeds, oyster sap and even some linoleum. But all of this is very controlled and not in your face at all. What a beautiful nose! It is less creamy than anticipated, but the taste is a lovely continuation of the nose. Sweet versus salt in high gear. Fast and furious on Islay! In the end, it is the saltiness that finishes first. The white fruit (think soft, crushed apples) and citrus (mostly lemon, a touch of lime and a single green grapefruit) follow. Very balanced with only a mild touch of oak in support. From the second sip onwards, the citrus becomes quite big and it starts to change into a lemonade on steroids. The smoke follows suit. The medium long finish is simply delicious, mildly drying and wonderfully sweet and sour. Bull’s eye, this young Caol Ila!

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