Port Ellen 26 Years 1979 - 2006 #3081 The Old Malt Cask Finished In Rum Cask

Port Ellen, the legendary Islay distillery closed in 1983, has become an icon in the whisky world. Every bottling from its remaining stocks is a piece of liquid history and a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs.

This remarkable release is part of the Old Malt Cask Series and was distilled in 1979. After 26 years of maturation, it was given a unique rum cask finish, adding an exotic twist to the classic smoky Islay character. Drawn from cask #3081 and bottled in 2006.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Smoky and maritime, with notes of seaweed, salt and peat smoke, layered with an intriguing sweetness of caramel and sugarcane.

Palate

Rich and powerful, showcasing deep peat, dark chocolate, raisins and a touch of tropical fruit from the rum cask.

Finish

Long and warming, where smoke and sweetness melt together in perfect harmony.

A unique Port Ellen that fuses iconic Islay smokiness with the exotic influence of rum cask maturation.

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.