Tasting notes Ruben Luyten - WhiskyNotes: Score 88/100

Port Askaig 12 Years ‘Autumn Edition’ is a limited release single malt which should show a different side of the Islay character. Whereas the Spring Edition was composed from bourbon casks, this is a mix of 9 refill American oak hogsheads, 5 Oloroso sherry butts and 3 solera sherry butts.

Nose: rather elegant. Camphor, an embering campfire, smoked bacon and moist leafy notes. A light sourness of cranberries, with a darker, sweeter fruitiness underneath. Worn leather. Roasted chestnuts and coffee beans. Hints of cigar boxes and light gunpowder notes. Not a sherry bomb per se, but everything is there, in a well balanced composition.

Mouth: dried seaweed at first with fresh lemony and coastal notes, before picking up warmth and autumnal character. Leathery notes and tobacco, some blackberries and oak spice. A toasted note.

Finish: long, with a fruity kind of sherry influence and maritime smoke.

A highly drinkable, nicely sherried version of Port Askaig which basically ticks all the boxes for an elegant fireside whisky. Recommended.