Port Askaig has quietly become one of the most reliable names in independent Islay bottling, and this Cask Strength Small Batch 2 from the 2024 release continues that reputation with considerable authority. At 59.1% ABV, this is not a whisky that whispers — it announces itself with the full weight of Islay peat and maritime character that the island is celebrated for. The "Small Batch" designation here is worth noting: these are limited vatting runs, which means each release carries its own personality. Batch 2 is no exception.
For those unfamiliar with Port Askaig, this is a brand rather than a distillery — the actual source remains officially unconfirmed, though the liquid speaks unmistakably of southern Islay. What matters, frankly, is what's in the glass, and at this strength and this price point, it punches well above its weight. The NAS designation shouldn't put anyone off; the cask selection here has been handled with real care, delivering a whisky that feels mature and well-integrated despite the considerable alcohol content.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specific notes I haven't recorded in detail, but I can speak to the style with confidence. This is classic Islay cask strength — expect bold peat smoke, coastal salinity, and that particular medicinal edge that divides opinion but which Islay devotees live for. At 59.1%, the intensity is formidable straight from the bottle, but a few drops of water open it up considerably and reveal the layers beneath the smoke. This is a whisky that rewards patience and a steady hand with the water jug.
The Verdict
At £64.95 for a cask strength Islay single malt, Port Askaig Small Batch 2 represents genuinely impressive value. Consider what the confirmed distilleries on Islay charge for their cask strength releases — Ardbeg Corryvreckan sits notably higher, and Laphroaig Cairdeas releases have crept steadily upward in recent years. Port Askaig delivers comparable intensity and quality at a price that feels almost anachronistic.
The small batch approach gives each release a sense of occasion without the hype that surrounds so many limited editions. There's no elaborate story here, no gimmick — just well-selected Islay casks bottled at full strength without chill filtration or artificial colouring. That straightforward philosophy is something I have a great deal of respect for. It lets the whisky do the talking, and this particular batch has plenty to say.
I'm scoring this 7.6 out of 10. It's a strong, confident Islay single malt that does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it at a fair price. It loses a fraction for me on complexity — at this level, I'd like just a touch more development beyond the core peat and smoke character — but as a representation of Islay at cask strength, it's thoroughly convincing.
Best Served
Neat first, always, to appreciate the full cask strength impact — then add water gradually, a few drops at a time. At 59.1%, this whisky genuinely needs water to show its full range, and finding your preferred dilution is half the pleasure. A classic Islay Highball with chilled soda water works surprisingly well here too, particularly in warmer months, though I'd keep the ratio modest — this is too good to drown.
