Port Askaig 15 Year Old (2024 Edition) (70cl, 50.5%)

This is the 2024 edition of Port Askaig 15 Year Old, a single malt from an unnamed distillery on Islay's north coast. It is a vatting of whisky from 30 refill hogsheads, bottled at 50.5% in a 70cl bottle without chill-filtration or added colour. The character is smoky and salty, with fruity and floral touches. Honeysuckle and rich toffee sit alongside sea notes and sweet peat smoke. The nose brings toasted vanilla pods, singed hay and a fresh sea breeze, with coal smoke, grilled orange and oregano. On the palate, sea salt and lemongrass lead, with grilled fish, brown sugar and light tobacco smoke, and a hint of melon with cured ham. The finish is long, with melon, rock salt and sooty, faintly sweet smoke.