Port Askaig Sherry Cask

August 7, 2026

We're looking at an unnamed Islay malt from Port Askaig.

Port Askaig Sherry Cask

Region: Islay

ABV: 50.5%

Price: £64.50

A new sherry cask addition to the Port Askaig range, this Islay single malt was matured in Oloroso sherry butts from the Spanish cooperage José y Miguel Martín, and bottled in small batches of 20 sherry butts at a time. No age statement or official outturn has been disclosed.

Nose

The nose opens with dried earth, warm butter, cranberry juice, sea spray and a hint of peppery alcohol. It’s a dirty-smelling dram, that also comes across as quite dry aside from that cranberry sweetness. Going back and we also notice smoke from a log burning fire, and a hint of liquorice.

Palate

The palate opens with an array of generic sherry notes. Think gingerbread, prunes and toffee. The mid palate shows more than a little log burning fire and earthy smoke. These are joined by some smoked ham and a touch of spice on the good length finish. Those sweeter and peaty notes mingle nicely with that light spice.

Nose (with water)

Water has dimmed the dirtier aspect of the nose. It’s a little foosty now, with Norwegian fir, orange rind and menthol all also coming through. As we sit with it we also notice a little more ethanol coming through.

Palate (with water)

The mouthfeel has taken a hit and, as on the nose, that dirty character has disappeared, while the smoke has turned extremely ashy. The orange note has intensified, and there’s now a touch of dark chocolate bitterness and a little nuttiness lingering on the medium length finish. Speaking of the finish, there’s also a touch less spice.

Conclusion

We’d personally guess this was Caol Ila, or at the very least contains a good amount of whisky from that distillery. It’s not the most complex dram you’ll ever try, but it does exactly what it says on the label, providing a nice hit of sherry and peat. What’s not to like?

Score: 7/10

Value

While not quite cask strength, it offers Islay peat and sherry at a pretty appealing price.

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10 - Perfection. One in a million
9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
8 - Great. Would seek this out.
7 - Good. Quality whisky.
6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
4 - Below average. Passable.
3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
2 - Defective. Significant faults.
1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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