Port Ellen 27 years 1978 - 2006 Platinum Selection

The Port Ellen 27 Years 1978 - 2006 Platinum Selection is a special expression of a historic distillery, which closed its doors in 1983. Distilled in the year 1978 and lovingly matured for 27 years, Douglas Laing bottled this rare spirit as part of their prestigious Platinum Series.

Tasting note

Nose

Upon opening the beautifully shaped bottle, the nose welcomes you with a robust cloud of Islay turf, layered with sea salt and a hint of sweet orchid. These distinctive aromas reveal the story of whisky that has adopted the essence of its coastal environment and the richness of prolonged maturation.

Taste

The palate is gripped by the elegant harmony of old wood and juicy citrus fruit, an autumnal pallet of roasted orange peel enveloped in a rich honeyed texture. Peppery notes and a subtle hint of leather add complexity as evidence of its age. The whisky balances admirably between cask influence and the natural characteristics of the Port Ellen malt.

Finish

An extended finish glides on seamlessly, with waves of peat smoke slowly softening into a dry, almost floral finish. The balance between the lingering smoke and soft underlying sweetness makes for an uplifting and fulfilling conclusion to the experience.

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.

Douglas Laing

Douglas Laing & Co. is one of the most respected independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1948 and a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, the company continues to offer whiskies of exceptional quality. Their broad portfolio, which includes both single cask and small batch releases, makes Douglas Laing a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it is a rare XOP bottling or a characterful blended malt like Big Peat, Douglas Laing offers a unique and authentic whisky experience.

History

Douglas Laing & Co. was founded in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing in Glasgow, Scotland. The company began as a dealer and blender of whisky, but soon focused on selecting and bottling single cask and small batch whiskies.

Douglas Laing has always remained a family business, with the knowledge and passion for whisky passed from generation to generation. After Fred Douglas Laing, the company was run by his son, Fred Laing Jr, and later Fred's daughter Cara Laing and her husband Chris Leggat also joined the company.

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.