Port Ellen is a whisky distillery with a rich and storied history, founded in 1825 and unfortunately closed in 1983. Originally a maltings, it was expanded into a full distillery under John Ramsay's leadership in 1833. The warehouses built during that period still stand and are listed. The distillery was taken over by Distillers Company Limited in 1925, closed in 1930, and saw a significant rebuild in 1966/1967. Although production ceased in the 1980s, single malt whisky from Port Ellen remains available and is highly coveted. The 9th release of Port Ellen from Diageo's Special Releases 2009 is a remarkable single malt whisky distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2009 after 30 years of maturation. It is one of only 5916 bottles produced, making it a rare and valuable collector's item. The maturation process is believed to involve a combination of Refill Sherry Casks and Refill American Bourbon Casks, though the exact types are not specified. Presented in its original packaging, this bottle is a piece of whisky history. The initial aroma profile of this whisky is dominated by maritime scents—salty, oily, and slightly smoky. As it opens up, the nose reveals a complex bouquet of rich peat, smoked fish, seaweed, tar, and coal, intertwined with fruit notes like grapefruit, citrus, and orange, as well as hints of speculaas and licorice. The taste is a full-bodied experience, evoking a sea platter with peat, seaweed, and the warmth of a crackling fireplace. The finish is long and complex, featuring nougat, pure chocolate, and a distinctly salty character. As one of Scotland’s lost distilleries, Port Ellen whisky is increasingly rare and sought after, particularly with the distillery set to reopen. This 9th release from Diageo's Special Releases 2009 offers a unique opportunity to own and experience a significant piece of whisky heritage.
Port Ellen whisky is highly coveted due to its rich history and the fact that the distillery was closed in 1983. The whisky produced during its operational years is becoming increasingly rare, making it a valuable collector's item.
The 9th release from Diageo’s Special Releases 2009 is significant because it is one of the few remaining bottles of Port Ellen whisky, distilled in 1979 and aged for 30 years. With only 5916 bottles produced, it is a rare piece of whisky history.
While the exact cask types are not specified, it is believed that a combination of Refill Sherry Casks and Refill American Bourbon Casks were used for the maturation of this whisky.
Maritime, salty, oily, smoky, rich peat, smoked fish, seaweed, tar, coal, grapefruit, citrus, orange, speculaas, licorice.
Full-bodied, peat, seaweed, crackling fireplace, salty, oily, creamy, subtle smoke, oysters, glue, wood oil, lobster.
Long, nougat, pure chocolate, salty, white pepper, citrus, light fruits, marzipan, ashy smoke.
This whisky offers a complex and multifaceted experience, starting with intense maritime aromas and evolving into a full-bodied, creamy palate with a rich combination of smoky, salty, and fruity notes. The finish is long-lasting, featuring a delightful blend of nougat, chocolate, and a salty character.
As a rare gem from one of Scotland’s lost distilleries, the Port Ellen 9th Release from Diageo's Special Releases 2009 is a whisky that stands out for its complex and nuanced profile. The maritime aromas, rich peat, and full-bodied taste create a truly unique and memorable experience. This bottle encapsulates the essence of Port Ellen, making it a must-have for any serious whisky collector or enthusiast.
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