Port Askaig 110 Proof 750ML is a cask strength Islay single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 55% ABV (110 proof) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most compelling value propositions among peated Islay malts.Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof) | Origin: Islay, Scotland | No Age Statement | Brand: Port Askaig by Elixir DistillersProduction & HeritagePort Askaig takes its name from a small harbor village on the northeastern coast of Islay, and the brand is curated by Elixir Distillers, the independent bottling house founded by Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh. The 110 Proof expression is assembled from small batches — sometimes as few as two casks and up to forty — selected from an undisclosed Islay distillery widely believed by whisky experts to be Caol Ila. The whisky is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, bottled without chill filtration and with no added coloring, preserving the full intensity of the spirit at its natural cask strength.Tasting NotesAroma: Peat smoke arrives immediately, layered with crisp green apple and a meaty, almost charred quality reminiscent of meat roasting over a wood fire. Behind the smoke, singed dry grasses and a subtle hint of distant wildfire lend an earthy, atmospheric depth.Taste: The entry is bold and smoky, with peat asserting itself from the first sip before giving way to warming cloves, cinnamon, and a thread of cocoa at mid-palate. Licorice root and a briny maritime quality emerge toward the peak, balanced by a surprising sweetness of orchard fruit that keeps the intensity from overwhelming.Finish: Long and persistent, with a zing of spice and a distinct dose of brine that lingers well after the last sip. The interplay between ashy smoke and saline minerality makes for a layered, contemplative conclusion.How to Drink Port Askaig 110At 55% ABV, this whisky rewards patient exploration — pour it neat, then add a few drops of water to unlock the fruit and spice hiding beneath the smoke. It also stands up remarkably well over a single large ice cube, which tempers the proof without drowning the peat. Penicillin: The cask strength smoke punches through honey-ginger syrup and lemon, creating a cocktail with real backbone. Smoky Rob Roy: Pairs naturally with sweet vermouth, where the brine and spice replace the usual sherry-cask sweetness of a Highland malt. Islay Highball: Lengthened with quality soda water and a lemon twist, the 110 Proof retains its smoky character where lower-ABV malts would fade. Best For Islay enthusiasts seeking cask strength intensity without an age statement premium Gifting a peat-obsessed whisky collector something outside the usual distillery lineup Side-by-side tasting sessions comparing independent bottlings to official releases Building a home bar anchored by a versatile, high-proof smoky Scotch Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Port Askaig 110 Proof taste like? It delivers bold peat smoke balanced by sweet orchard fruit, warming baking spices like cinnamon and cloves, cocoa, licorice root, and a persistent briny finish that reflects its Islay coastal origin.How does Port Askaig 110 Proof compare to Lagavulin 16? Lagavulin 16 is bottled at 43% ABV with a 16-year age statement and emphasizes rich, sherried sweetness alongside its smoke, while Port Askaig 110 Proof is a cask strength expression at 55% ABV that foregrounds raw maritime peat, ex-bourbon oak influence, and greater intensity on the palate. The 110 Proof also benefits from non-chill filtration, yielding a fuller mouthfeel than Lagavulin 16.Is Port Askaig 110 Proof good for sipping neat? Yes — its non-chill filtered, cask strength character makes it an excellent neat pour, especially with a few drops of water to open the layers of fruit and spice beneath the smoke.Where is Port Askaig 110 Proof made? It is produced on Islay, Scotland, sourced from an undisclosed Islay distillery and bottled by Elixir Distillers, an independent bottling company based in London that specializes in curating single cask and small batch Scotch whiskies.What foods pair well with Port Askaig 110 Proof? Smoked salmon or smoked oysters echo its maritime brininess; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness in the malt; dark chocolate complements the cocoa and licorice notes; grilled lamb chops mirror the charred, meaty smokiness; and cured charcuterie brings out the peppery spice on the finish.What sizes does Port Askaig 110 Proof come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle, which is the primary size found in most markets.Is Port Askaig 110 Proof worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Islay single malt that delivers cask strength intensity typically associated with more expensive limited releases, making it a strong value within the peated Scotch category.Why Port Askaig 110 Proof?What sets the 110 Proof apart is its small batch construction — each release is assembled from as few as two and up to forty carefully selected casks, meaning no two batches are identical, yet each maintains a consistent character profile. The decision to bottle at full cask strength without chill filtration or coloring agents ensures nothing is lost between barrel and glass. Its 2018 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validated what Islay devotees had already recognized: this is a seriously well-assembled whisky that punches above its price tier. For drinkers who want the raw, uncompromised character of Islay peat with the complexity that careful cask selection provides, the 110 Proof stands as one of the most reliable expressions in the independent bottling world.
