Port Ellen is a whisky distillery with a rich history, dating back to 1825 when it was established as a maltings, and later developed into a distillery in 1833 under the leadership of John Ramsay. The distillery was operated by the Distillers Company Limited from 1925 but was closed in 1930 and rebuilt in 1966/1967. Production continued through the 1970s until the distillery was closed in 1983, although single malt whisky from Port Ellen is still available.
The 13th release of Port Ellen's single malt whisky is a highly anticipated release from the cult closed distillery. This whisky was distilled in 1978 and matured for 34 years before being bottled in 2013. It is part of Diageo's annual special releases, with only 2,958 bottles available worldwide. The whisky is matured in a combination of refill American and European oak casks and is bottled at natural cask strength, boasting an ABV of 55%.
Upon nosing this exquisite whisky, one is greeted with a captivating mix of peaty smoke, maritime notes, and a touch of saltiness. The nose is thick and earthy, with farmy notes reminiscent of horse stables, leather saddles, and smoky peat aromas. Subtle fruit notes emerge as sweetish green, comprising figs, grapefruit, lime, and avocado, enhanced with a touch of vanilla and leather.
The palate offers a unique and exceptional experience, with an initial sweetness that transitions into complex maritime flavors. Expect sharp, smoky, and lemony notes, almost juicy and zesty, with elements of peppery oak, a few ashes, earthy peat, and a hint of rubber. Additional tasting reveals flavors like rook, turf, seaweed, iodine, vanilla, and citrus fruit, combined with herbal-minty-fresh accents. There are also nuances of coal, volcanic gum, cumin, and spiced chili peppers, with a delightful fruity break featuring mellow yellow fruits.
The finish is long and smoky, with persistent peat, tar, salty butter, brine, black pepper, and lemon juice. Over time, the peat unfolds better, offering a harmonious conclusion. The finish also reveals notes of plain chocolate and liquorice, adding depth to this highly sought-after release.
This whisky is the 13th edition from the Annual Release series and is a rare and highly sought-after gem. Fans of Islay whisky will not be disappointed with this top-of-the-line release, which continues to impress even among connoisseurs and collectors.
This release is part of Diageo's annual special releases and is highly anticipated due to the distillery's cult status. Only 2,958 bottles were produced, making it a rare and collectible item.
The whisky is matured in a combination of refill American and European oak casks, which contribute to its complex flavor profile.
The whisky is noted for its peaty smoke, maritime flavors, and complex palate that includes citrus fruit, vanilla, and earthy peat.
The 13th release of Port Ellen by Diageo is a stellar representation of what this closed distillery can offer. The complex nose, coupled with the intricate and evolving palate, makes this a must-try for any serious whisky aficionado. Despite some notes of bitterness on the finish, the overall harmony and depth of flavors make this a remarkable dram that truly stands out in the series.
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