Port Ellen 35 years 1983 - 2020 #11535

Discover a legendary drop of history with the Port Ellen 35 years 1983 - 2020 Single Cask #11535, bottled by The Character of Islay Whisky Company.

Inside the stylish black cylindrical packaging rests an unmistakable piece of Scotland - a whisky with a life story as deep and complex as its flavour. This particular Port Ellen release displays a bright, golden amber colour in the bottle, promising a unique experience for the true whisky lover.

Tasting note

Nose

Upon uncorking the bottle, the room fills with the aromatic nuances so characteristic of an Islay Single Malt. The nose is rich and seductive, with the typical smokiness merging with layers of ripe fruit and maritime notes. Deep accents of oak and a hint of leather offer an added dimension, recalling the long maturation this whisky has been allowed to endure.

Taste

At the first sip, the flavour reveals itself as an orchestra of sensations. A harmony of peat smoke dances on the tongue, accompanied by the sweetness of dried fruit and a subtle hint of sea salt. The evolution of flavours further reveals notes of caramelised nuts and a complexity that can be described as an interplay of history and craftsmanship.

Finish

The finish of this Port Ellen is long and satisfying, a reminder of its age and origins. After the impressive wave of flavours, the smoky notes linger, along with a gentle spiciness and a pleasant, oily texture that caresses the palate and invites another sip.

What others say about it

Serge Valentin is clear about it. This is great. He therefore gives this Port Ellen a score of 93 points.

Read his tasting note on WhiskyFun.com here.

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.