Port Ellen 26 years 1982 - 2008 #4808

This exceptional Single Malt Scotch whisky represents the best of the Islay region, with a spirit that has rested and developed over a quarter of a century in the tranquillity of Port Ellen's warehouses. Douglas Laing, a respected name in the whisky world, has bottled this special release, allowing aficionados to get their hands on a rare piece of Scotch distilling history.

Tasting notes

Nose

Upon opening this majestic bottle, the journey begins with the nose; spun silver strands of smoke weave through layered notes of dried seaweed, crushed spices and a hint of ripe citrus. The connection with the sea is further emphasised by subtle iodine tones and a fresh, salty breeze reminiscent of Islay's rugged coastlines.

Taste

Moving on to the flavour, the whisky unfolds its true nature. The palette welcomes Islay's signature smokiness, perfectly balanced with notes of caramelised pears, dried apricots, and a rich, oily texture that envelops both the palate and the spirit. The complexity is further fuelled by undercurrents of leather, wet moss and a hint of old bookcase - each sip a story in itself.

Finish

The finish is an ode to endurance and refinement, a slowly waning echo of peat smoke, oak sweetness and a cliff of mineral sharpness that fuels the desire for another sip.

What others say about it

Serge Valentin is a big fan of this whisky. He rated this particular whisky with a whopping 89/100 points

Read his tasting note on WhiskyFun.com

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.