Port Ellen 10 years Scottish Wildlife

Discover the rare gem from Islay: the Port Ellen 10 Year Old Single Malt, a must-have for any whisky lover.

Tasting note

Nose

Upon uncorking this bottle, you are immediately transported to Port Islay. The nose reveals the classic smokiness synonymous with the region, mixed with subtle hints of seaweed and citrus. This whisky is a true ode to nature with an aroma reminiscent of a fresh, calm coastline at sunrise.

Taste 

The flavour is a complex symphony of flavours. Gentle notes of vanilla and honey are harmoniously balanced with the intense peat smoke and maritime influences that characterise Port Ellen. The evolution on the palette creates a beautiful development from sweet to briny, with a subtle spiciness slowly revealing itself.

Finish

The finish is long and warm, with smoky notes lingering long after the last sip. It evokes the image of Islay's glowing fires at dusk, with a hint of salty sea breeze completing the experience.

What others say about it

The following scores are awarded on WhiskyFun.com:

Port Ellen 10 yo (43%, Scottish Wildlife) Already tasted this young winner, so no notes, sorry. But here's my rating: 90 points (Davin 90, Ho-cheng 91, Olivier 90).

Angus also awarded a great score to this Port Ellen on the same website. 91/100 points.

Read the tasting notes 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.