This Port Askaig is a mystery 45 year old Islay malt, perhaps from a distillery near Port Askaig on the north east shores of Islay. Whilst younger releases of this spirit were rumoured to be Caol Ila, speculation abounds that this is actually from the other distillery by Port Askaig, Bunnahabhain. Only five sherry butts were married together to produced this exceptionally well aged Islay single malt. Speciality Drinks was established in 1999 by brothers Sukhinder and Raj Singh as the independent bottling arm of The Whisky Exchange, which launched its online retail site the same year. Their first bottlings were under the Single Malts of Scotland label in 2005, followed by the Elements of Islay range and Port Askaig single malt brand in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The company was renamed Elixir Distillers in 2017. Producer's Tasting Notes 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. Comment-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.