Port Askaig has announced the launch of two new core range releases, including the return of one of its most popular Islay single malt expressions.

Port Askaig Sherry Cask (50.5%), which is a single malt Scotch whisky bottled in a small batch from 20 Oloroso Sherry butts, sourced from the renowned Spanish cooperage Jose y Miguel Martin, is said to appeal to Islay fans who enjoy more complex Sherry styles.

This new release is said to offer notes of smoked damson jam, blackcurrant cordial, cracked black pepper over seared steak, navel orange and a hint of liquorice on the nose, followed by dense, jammy fruit, coal smoke, dark chocolate-covered cherries, peppercorn sauce and barbecue meats on the palate.

Port Askaig 100 Proof (57.1%), originally released in 2015, is a single malt Scotch whisky matured exclusively in unrinsed first-fill Bourbon barrels and bottled in small batches of approximately 60 casks. It was previously championed by critics and adored by enthusiasts, who believe it set a benchmark for high-strength, Bourbon-matured Islay single malt.

This returning release is said to deliver notes of toasted rye bread with butter, honey and lemon zest, coal smoke, baked lemon and warm milk chocolate on the nose, followed by citrus, ginger, peat smoke, light caramel, aniseed and lemongrass on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Oliver Chilton, Head Blender at Port Askaig, said: “We have nurtured the 100 Proof spirit since distillation, allowing us to deliberately shape a rich flavour profile with earthy bourbon cask sweetness and balanced peat smoke, ideal for bottling at high strength. To ensure our range remains as balanced as the whisky itself, a refined sherry cask expression was also needed.”

Port Askaig Sherry Cask and Port Askaig 100 Proof will be available later this month from selected specialist retailers, for the respective RRPs of £64.95 and £59.95.