Port Ellen 29 years 1979 - 2009 for WorldDutyFree

This particular expression of Port Ellen, bottled by Douglas Laing for WorldDutyFree, is an unforgettable experience for both the seasoned aficionado and the adventurous explorer. Every sip is a tribute to a distillery that once was, but through releases like this, in a sense, still lives on. 

Tasting note

Nose

The first impression of this Port Ellen 29 Years is like a walk along the Islay coastline, where the sea breeze is infused with a complex mix of peat smoke and saltiness. The aromas further unfold into subtle hints of toasted nuts, dried fruits, and a gentle hint of vanilla from the oak in which it has matured. A slightly floral tone cuts through the heaviness, offering a pleasant surprise.

Taste

On the palette, the whisky demonstrates a refined balance between power and finesse, with the smoky peat remaining distinctive but giving way to waves of sweet honey, rich toffee and ripe citrus. The whisky is full-bodied and oily, creating a luxurious sensation on the tongue. With undertones of leathery and spicy nuances, the complexity swells as you quietly taste each sip.

Finish

The finish is long and lingers with a pleasant warmth that faithfully reflects the smoky peat. The last echoes of the drink leave sweet spices and woody notes, as well as the memory of a bygone whisky era.

What others think

On WhiskyFun.com, this particular Port Ellen gets a very nice score of 93/100 points.

Serge Valentin even comments that it is the best Port Ellen he tasted that year.

Read Serge's tasting note on WhiskyFun.com here

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.