Port Askaig 100 proof Single Islay Malt Whisky 57,1%

The ferry slides into Port Askaig, and the island announces itself before you step off: seaweed, smoke and cold air blowing across the Sound of Islay. There is no distillery in the village. Still, it has been Islay's front door for hundreds of years, and this bottle borrows its name.

Expert description

Port Askaig 100 Proof is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in 1st fill Bourbon casks and bottled at 57.1% ABV.

Port Askaig is a range from the independent bottler Elixir Distillers in London. Elixir picks the casks from distilleries across the island, and the distillery behind this particular bottle is not disclosed. It is a single malt, made from malted barley alone, and the smoke comes from peat.

The name is an old British measure of strength, where 100 proof equals 57.1%. 100 Proof first appeared in 2015, vanished because the brand could not source consistent whisky without cutting corners, and is back on shelves from May 2026. There is no age statement.

The whisky is matured exclusively in unrinsed 1st fill Bourbon casks and bottled in small batches of around 60 casks at a time. The Bourbon casks bring vanilla and caramel, while the high strength keeps the flavour dense and concentrated. It is non-chill filtered and natural in colour.

Tasting notes

Nose

Toasted rye bread and honey, lemon zest on top and dark coal smoke underneath. A little milk chocolate at the end.

Palate

Ginger and bright citrus arrive first. Then the peat smoke, and behind it a soft caramel sweetness.

Finish

Herbal, with aniseed and raspberry leaf and a touch of chocolate and lime.

Specifications

Name: Port Askaig 100 Proof Islay Single Malt Whisky
Bottler: Elixir Distillers
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 57.1%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st fill Bourbon casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
EAN no.: 5061035823779

Flavour profile

Smoky · Peated · Maritime · Citrusy · Caramel · Ginger

Did you know?

Elixir Distillers started out in 1999 as Speciality Drinks. The bottler was founded by the brothers Sukhinder and Raj Singh, who are also behind the online spirits shop The Whisky Exchange.

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Frequently asked questions about Port Askaig 100 Proof

What does Port Askaig 100 Proof taste like?

It tastes of ginger, citrus and peat smoke with a soft caramel sweetness behind. The nose offers toasted rye bread, honey and lemon zest over dark coal smoke, and the finish is herbal with aniseed, raspberry leaf and a hint of chocolate.

What does 100 Proof mean on the bottle?

100 proof is an old British measure of alcohol strength and equals 57.1% alcohol. It is the strength the whisky is bottled at, with no further dilution. To see why strength matters for flavour, read our blog post on whisky at different strengths.

Should you add water to Port Askaig 100 Proof?

It is not necessary, but a small drop of water can open it up. Try it neat first, then add water a little at a time if the strength feels too much. A tulip-shaped glass holds on to aromas like lemon and smoke. Take a look at our selection of whisky glasses.

Is Port Askaig 100 Proof very smoky?

The smoke is clear, but it does not drown everything else. The peat smoke is set against fresh citrus, vanilla and caramel from the Bourbon casks, so it comes across as an Islay Whisky with both smoke and sweetness. To learn more about what peat does to flavour, read our guide to peated whisky.

Which distillery makes Port Askaig 100 Proof?

Elixir Distillers does not say. Port Askaig is the name of a bottler's range, and there is no distillery in the village itself. The whisky comes from one of Islay's distilleries, and you can see the rest of the island's whiskies in our Islay Whisky selection.

Why was Port Askaig 100 Proof off the shelves?

For a period the brand could not source consistent whisky for the bottle without compromising on quality. It was taken off the market after its 2015 release. It is back from May 2026.

What goes well with Port Askaig 100 Proof?

Grilled meat, smoked fish and dark chocolate are good partners. The smoke in the whisky plays well with the food, and the chocolate in the finish echoes dark chocolate.