Port Ellen 15 Years – Vintage 1969 – Gordon & MacPhail

A rare relic from the golden days of Islay: this Port Ellen 15 Years Vintage 1969, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, offers a unique opportunity to experience the legendary distillery in a youthful form. With its trademark smoky power and elegant complexity, this whisky does full justice to Port Ellen’s revered name. A vintage 75cl release – now a true treasure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Intensely smoky and medicinal with notes of wet rope, iodine, campfire and sea breeze. Beneath that: lemon zest, leather, green herbs and a hint of tar.

Palate

Powerful and maritime with flavours of peat smoke, brine, ash, black pepper and smoked fish. Yet also elegant with citrus sharpness, a touch of green apple and subtle waxy notes.

Finish

Long, dry and smoky with a salty undertone, charcoal, anise and a lingering minerality.

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.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.

Please note

This bottle was bottled a long time ago. Please be careful when opening. The closure may have deteriorated. The item is sold as photographed and described. We do not accept any liability for the condition of the closure.