Port Ellen 1981 - 1993 The Sails In The Wind

Experience the rare symphony of Islay's lost distillery with the Port Ellen 1981 - 1993 The Sails In The Wind, a masterpiece from a bygone era.

Tasting note

Nose

This extraordinary whisky invites with a nose on which Port Ellen's distinctive saltiness blends with subtle notes of peat smoke and sweet malt. The soft fruity aroma of dried apricots and a slight citrus hint create a complex and intriguing profile that excites the senses.

Taste

On the palate, the Port Ellen 1981 reveals a rich texture, a reflection of its artisanal maturation in oak. Peat takes a prominent role here, complemented by the complexity of dark chocolate, vanilla and a gently spicy bandwidth that enhances the experience. Tones of burnt caramel glide across the tongue, followed by a light sea salt accord reminiscent of Islay's maritime character.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying; peated notes and oak linger, alongside a subtle sweetness and the elegance of dried fruit. Every sip brings you closer to Islay's heritage, and with the Port Ellen 1981 - 1993 The Sails In The Wind, memory becomes fluid.

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.

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.