Port Ellen 14th Release Diageo Special Releases 2014 56.5% 700ml

Port Ellen is a single malt Scotch whisky first established as a maltings in 1825 and later developed into a distillery in 1833 under the leadership of John Ramsay. Passed through various hands, the distillery was unfortunately closed in 1983. However, its legendary whisky lives on, continuing to be highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike. The Port Ellen 14th Release Diageo Special Releases 2014 is a standout 35-year-old whisky, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2014. This release is part of Diageo's prestigious 2014 Special Releases, making it an exceptionally rare find with only 2,964 bottles produced. Matured in a combination of refill American oak and European oak casks, this whisky stands as a testament to the distillery's storied past and unparalleled craftsmanship. On the nose, this Port Ellen reveals a sophisticated and understated aroma, initially dry with faint smoke that grows more fragrant. Complex layers of coal tar, damp fabric, and citrus fruit mingle with sultanas and warm leather. In the mouth, it's voluptuous and richly textured, offering sweet fruity notes of pineapple and banana encased in peat smoke and ginger. A subtle brine and a hint of plain chocolate add further depth. The palate immediately comes alive with a rich, honeyed sweetness perfectly balanced by maritime salt, hinting at flavors of sweet seaweed. Unexpected bursts of citrus and ginger add complexity, leading to a velvety backdrop of dark chocolate and sweet smoke. Adding a splash of water only enhances these rich and warming characteristics, bringing out notes of orange oil, modest smoke, and ginger. The finish is remarkably long and warming, characterized by crisp ginger, citrus, and fresh menthol-clean notes, all against a backdrop of drying, oaky wood smoke. This Port Ellen release not only captivates with its traditional sweet and smoky nature but also surprises with a warming, gingery edge. It’s best enjoyed with a small amount of water to open up its flavors, making it more approachable while maintaining its well-balanced profile.

FAQs

• What is the age of Port Ellen 14th Release Diageo Special Releases 2014?

  The Port Ellen 14th Release Diageo Special Releases 2014 is a 35-year-old whisky.

• How many bottles of this release were produced?

  Only 2,964 bottles of this 14th Release were produced.

• How should this whisky be enjoyed?

  This whisky is best enjoyed with a small amount of water, which opens up the flavors and makes it more approachable while maintaining a well-balanced profile.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Coal tar, damp fabric, citrus fruit, sultanas, warm leather, peat smoke, hessian, honey-cured smoked meats, root vegetable, mint, sharp citrus, dark cocoa, vanilla, wood smoke
• Taste: Pineapple, banana, sweet fruity notes, peat smoke, ginger, brine, plain chocolate, honey, maritime salt, lime marmalade, ginger marmalade, wholemeal toast, dark chocolate, orange oil, modest smoke
• Finish: Crisp ginger, citrus, fresh menthol-clean notes, drying oaky wood smoke
• Overall: A glorious grande dame, superb in every way and with a poise and self-assurance born of long experience. Captivating at cask strength, with a warming, spicy, gingery edge to its traditional sweet and smoky nature. A little water reveals a charming sweetness in the nose and richness and depth on the palate.

Reviewer's Opinion

Port Ellen 14th Release Diageo Special Releases 2014 is a truly exceptional whisky that more than lives up to its legendary status. With its complex and well-balanced flavor profile, this 35-year-old gem offers a unique tasting experience. The interplay of sweet and smoky notes, coupled with intriguing nuances of citrus, ginger, and dark chocolate, make it a must-try for any whisky enthusiast. Truly a masterpiece, this rare bottle is a worthy addition to any collection.