Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare The Platinum Selection Refill Hogshead 50.4% 700ml

The Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare The Platinum Selection Refill Hogshead is an exceptional whisky with an alcohol content of 50.4% and a volume of 700ml. This 35-year-old whisky, bottled in 2012 by Douglas Laing, originates from the renowned Port Ellen distillery on Islay, which ceased operations in 1983. Only 199 bottles were produced, making it a highly sought-after release among collectors and whisky enthusiasts. This whisky boasts a complex and unique flavor profile, featuring notes of oily mint, liquorice, oak, plasticine, putty, paraffin, tarry and salty liquorice, menthol, kipper, damp earth, mud, thuja wood, apples, verbena, dry white wine, yellow chartreuse, wet wool, and hints of grandma's cough syrups and lozenges. Though not the sharpest or cleanest, it offers a robust and intense flavor experience. The high menthol content in the nose might be overwhelming for some, but it significantly adds to the complexity of the whisky. Notably, this Port Ellen whisky was aged in a refill hogshead, which means it was matured in a cask that had previously held another whisky, imparting additional layers of flavor. With the addition of water, the whisky becomes slightly disjointed and more briny, with enhanced notes of drying oak and tea. This characteristic makes it a fascinating experience for those who appreciate the intricacies of fine whisky. Given the closure of the Port Ellen distillery, bottles from this distillery have become increasingly rare and valuable. As part of Douglas Laing's prestigious Old & Rare Platinum Selection, this release stands as a testament to the high quality and rarity of Port Ellen whiskies, sure to impress even the most discerning of whisky drinkers.

FAQs

• Why is the Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare so highly sought after?

  The Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare is highly sought after due to its rarity, the closure of the Port Ellen distillery in 1983, and its unique and complex flavor profile. Only 199 bottles were produced, adding to its exclusivity.

• What distinguishes a refill hogshead aged whisky?

  A refill hogshead aged whisky is matured in a cask that has previously been used to age another whisky. This process imparts additional layers of flavor and complexity to the whisky, making it unique.

• How does adding water affect the flavor of this whisky?

  Adding water to the Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare makes the whisky slightly disjointed and more briny, with increased notes of drying oak and tea. It can also amplify the menthol content, adding to its complexity.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: oily mint, liquorice, oak, plasticine, putty, paraffin, tarry and salty liquorice, menthol, kipper, damp earth, mud, thuja wood, apples, verbena, dry white wine, yellow chartreuse, wet wool, grandma's cough syrups and lozenges
• Taste: robust, intense, high menthol content, complex, briny with water, drying oak, tea
• Finish: long, briny, drying oak, herbal notes, persistent menthol
• Overall: The Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare is a highly complex and robust whisky, with a rich array of flavors and aromas. Its menthol content and briny finish, especially with the addition of water, create a unique tasting experience. As a product of the now-closed Port Ellen distillery, its rarity and quality make it a prized possession for any whisky connoisseur.

Reviewer's opinion

As a reviewer, I find the Port Ellen 1977 DL Old & Rare The Platinum Selection Refill Hogshead to be an extraordinary whisky that offers a deeply complex and rewarding tasting experience. Its multifaceted flavor profile, coupled with its rarity and historical significance, makes it a standout bottle in any collection. The high menthol content may challenge some palates, but it ultimately contributes to the whisky's unique character and depth. This is a must-have for any serious whisky enthusiast or collector.