Port Ellen 1983 - 2012 Whisky Show 2012

Discover a rare treasure from the whisky world with the Port Ellen 1983 - 2012, a luxury single malt Scotch specially bottled for The Whisky Show 2012 by Specialty Drinks Limited. This collector's item, with an edition of just 60 bottles, represents the essence of the legendary Port Ellen distillery that closed its doors in 1983, making every sip feel like a step back in time.

Tasting note

Nose

Upon opening the bottle of the Port Ellen 1983, a complex bouquet of aromas wafts towards you. The smoky hints are unmistakable - a characteristic feature of Islay whiskies - but are beautifully balanced with the softer notes of sea air and dried fruit. Underlying, you will discover subtler notes of fresh leather and a hint of oak, which define the depth and maturity of this 29-year-old malt.

Taste

On the tongue, this whisky unravels its layered personality. The start is rich and powerful with distinct smoky peat and a briny edge, a reflection of its coastal origins. The whisky evolves quickly with a pallet of heather honey, citrus and an assortment of spices performing a dance on your palate. The body is oily and full-bodied, a sensation that seals the presence of the whisky long after swallowing.

Finish

The Port Ellen 1983 shows its true nature in an aftertaste as memorable as its history - long, warming and complex. Smoke and peat gradually give way to a dry, earthy aftertaste with a hint of oak and a subtle sweetness that lingers.

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.