Port Ellen 11 years 1983 - 1994

Discover a rare gem from Islay: the 1983 Port Ellen 11 Years, a time travel in a bottle.

Tasting note

Nose

The experience starts with the aroma: on opening the bottle, you breathe in the complex aromas of sea salt mixed with smoky peat. There is a hint of fresh fruit breaking through the smoke, with green apple and citrus standing out, accompanied by subtle notes of vanilla and a hint of seaweed.

Taste

At the first sip, you feel the impact of a balanced flavour with a powerful, smoky intensity characteristic of Port Ellen. The flavour is rich and full, with salty undertones that perfectly complement the fresh, fruity nuances revealed in the nose. Despite the obvious presence of peat, the taste remains surprisingly smooth with an underlying sweetness of honey and a full, malty richness.

Finish

The finish of this Port Ellen 11 Years is long and stays true to the spirit of Islay. Prepare for a lingering smokiness that transitions seamlessly into a dry, almost medicinal finish. The elegant echoes of oak and spice linger, leaving you longing for another sip.

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.