Port Ellen, a distillery founded in 1825 and closed in 1983, is renowned for its single malt whisky. Initially built as a maltings in 1825, the distillery developed into a fully-fledged operation in 1833 under John Ramsay's leadership. The warehouses Ramsay built still stand and are listed monuments. Port Ellen was acquired by the Distillers Company Limited in 1925, closed in 1930, and then rebuilt in 1966/1967. Production continued through the 1970s before the distillery closed its doors in 1983. Despite its closure, Port Ellen whisky remains available and highly sought after. The 8th Release of Port Ellen's Annual Releases is a unique expression featuring a mild and refined nose, balanced peat, and subtle vegetal notes, complemented by light salt tones and an elegant buttery finish. This edition is believed to have matured in a combination of Refill Sherry Casks and Refill American Bourbon Casks, and it is bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.3%. Distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2008 after 29 years of aging, this 8th edition of the Annual Release series is highly exclusive, with only 6618 bottles produced. Released in 2008, it coincided with the announcement that the Port Ellen Distillery would be rebuilt and restarted. This bottle represents a rare opportunity to own one of the original editions distilled at the old Port Ellen distillery. This whisky has received various reviews, highlighting its powerful and complex profile. Key notes include a fruity, citrusy nose with hints of ham and bacon; a punchy, oily, and creamy palate with subtle sweetness and a blend of fruits and spices; and a long, burning finish with hints of old wood and books. Its rich aroma, profound taste, and lingering finish make it a memorable dram. In 2017, an empty bottle of this release was sold for €1000 on The Whisky Auction Society, underscoring its desirability and value among collectors.
This whisky is 29 years old, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2008.
There were 6618 bottles produced for this release.
The ABV of the Port Ellen 8th Release is 55.3%.
This release is believed to have matured in a combination of Refill Sherry Casks and Refill American Bourbon Casks.
Fruity, citrusy, blond oranges, sea breeze, iodine, ham, bacon, smoke, vanilla, herbs, lime, old oak, violet.
Punchy, oily, creamy, sweet, fruity, peaches, pears, bananas, plums, spices, ginger, pepper, chili, herbs, smoky, peppery, vanilla, apples.
Long, burning, old wood, books, smoky, white chocolate, latte macchiato, herbal, saline, tangy peat, worn leather, old books.
The Port Ellen 8th Release is a true masterpiece, offering a complex and balanced profile. Its powerful nose, robust palate, and long-lasting finish create a memorable and satisfying whisky experience. The intricate interplay of fruits, spices, and smoky elements make it a standout amongst Islay single malts.
The Port Ellen 8th Release is a phenomenal example of the distillery's legacy. With its layered aromas, intricate flavors, and enduring finish, it offers a whisky experience that is both intense and impressively integrated. This release not only showcases the craftsmanship of Port Ellen but also serves as a rare and valuable collector's item. Its historical significance and exceptional quality make it a must-have for any whisky enthusiast.
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