Port Ellen, a distillery founded in 1825 as a maltings and developed into a distillery under the leadership of John Ramsay from 1833 to 1892, is the source of the whisky in this bottle. The warehouses built by Ramsay still stand and are listed monuments. The distillery was taken over by the Distillers Company Limited in 1925, closed in 1930, and rebuilt in 1966/1967. Production resumed in the 1970s and ceased in 1983, although single malt whisky from Port Ellen is still available. When Port Ellen closed in 1983, Diageo demolished some of the buildings, repurposed others, and destroyed the stills. The whisky in this bottle, the 10th release in the Annual Release series by Diageo, was distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2010 after 31 years of aging. Only refill sherry casks were selected for this release, and the whisky was bottled at natural cask strength of 54.6% ABV. A total of 3000 bottles were released, making this a very exclusive offering. The whisky is delicate and complex, with many spicy notes of laurel and mild nutmeg. There are also clear maritime notes of mussels, oysters, and other sea creatures, as well as seaweed, so it is clearly a coastal whisky. There are also thick peat smoke, tar, and rope that have been soaking in water for years. The aroma is fresh and salty, with notes of seaweed, salted butter, citrus zest, and olive oil. It is rich and full-bodied, with hints of licorice and campfire. Smoked eel and fatty salmon are prominent, with the burnt/charred wood adding a lot of flavor. Peat and iodine provide a nice finish. The palate is complex, very fruity with candied oranges and their zest, combined with a smoky and spicy woody return. The finish is long and multi-layered, with iodine, peat, and oak, all overlapping with fruity notes. Truly, this whisky offers a great moment and a great pleasure to any aficionado.
This is the 10th release in the Annual Release series by Diageo, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2010 after 31 years of aging, exclusively using refill sherry casks. Only 3000 bottles were released, making it highly exclusive.
The whisky is delicate and complex, featuring spicy notes, maritime elements, thick peat smoke, and a mix of fresh and salty aromas with hints of citrus, licorice, and campfire.
It is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up the complex flavors and aromas.
Yes, due to its limited release of only 3000 bottles and the distillery's historic significance, it is highly collectible.
This Port Ellen 10th Annual Release is truly exceptional, blending maritime notes and a complex, peaty profile with a delicate balance of citrus and spice. The rich aroma and full-bodied palate are complemented by a long, intricate finish. It's indeed a remarkable experience for any whisky enthusiast, making it a highly desirable addition to any collection.
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