Port Ellen 15 years 1969 75cl

Discover a rare taste sensation that reaches your glass from the mists of time: Port Ellen 15 years 1969.

Tasting note

Nose

On opening the bottle, a captivating aroma of peppery smoke escapes followed by subtle hints of seaweed and salty sea air; a characteristic nose that lovers of Islay whiskies will appreciate. Slowly, complex notes of leather and ripe fruit emerge, evoking the drink's deep, rich history.

Taste

Each sip begins with a robust wave of peat smoke, perfectly balanced with the full sweetness of toffee and dried fruits. The warming sensation of spiciness glows on the palate, combined with a pleasant nutty mix of walnuts and almonds, creating an exceptional mouthfeel that only time has allowed to mature.

Finish

The aftertaste is long and memorable; an echo of smoke and spice that slowly turns into a dry, oaky finesse with a hint of vanilla and a final gentle embrace of sea spray.

Port Ellen Distillery

Port Ellen Distillery is located on the south coast of the island of Islay, near the village of the same name. Founded in 1825 by Alexander Kerr Mackay and later taken over by John Ramsay in 1836, Port Ellen has a rich history, but sadly closed in 1983. The distillery quickly gained legendary status among whisky lovers.

A specific feature of Port Ellen was its pronounced peat smoke, resulting in whiskies with a deep, smoky flavour. The distillery used traditional copper pot stills and used water from the nearby Leorin Lochs. The whiskies were mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which contributed to the balance of sweet and smoky notes.

Port Ellen whiskies are known for their complex flavour profiles with notes of seaweed, medicinal smoke, sea salt and a subtle sweetness. Despite the closure, the remaining bottles remain in high demand and are often seen as collectibles and investment items.

The reopening of the distillery, on 19 March 2024, has raised much anticipation among whisky lovers worldwide, who are hoping for a revival of this iconic Islay single malt whisky.