The Port Askaig 30 Year Old comes in a beautiful wooden chest, which explains part of the 450 EUR price tag, I suppose. Having said that, you do not often see Caol Ila at this age. Only in 2014 did we see the release of an official 30 years old Caol Ila… for 600 EUR. But is this one a Caol Ila? Rumor has it that this might be another Ileach… The typical medicinale and maritime notes are hardly discernable on the nose. I have mostly very fruity notes as if from apple, oranges and pineapple, maybe even some banana. This is fruity indeed. A nice hint of mint and some camphor. Not overly complex, but delicious nonetheless. The body is surprisingly light and immediately fruity, but also nicely seasoned. Think pepper, salt, liquorice, camphor and more liquorice. The citrus notes evolve towards a marmalade, sprinkled with honey and a stick of vanilla on the side. Some walnuts and green tea. Soft smoke develops, wood notes kick in and some peat appears. From the second sip on that turns into salted caramel. The long finish balances between sweet and salty, is mildly drying and again reminds me of green tea and honey. Very fruity Islay whisky, which I still believe is Caol Ila.
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