Established on Islay's south coast in 1825 by A K Mackay and Co., Port Ellen is reputed to have been the first distillery to have incorporated Septimus Fox's spirit safe design into the distillation process. Its innovations did not stop there, however. After having been taken over by the shrewd and energetic John Ramsay in 1836, Port Ellen bec ... Read More »
The first Port Ellen in the Single Malts of Scotland series is from a refill butt. This is initially sweet on the palate, but turns more savoury and phenolic with toasty flavours and more medicinal notes. Very drinkable at 46%.
A 27 year old Port Ellen bottled in 2010 by Port Ellen specialists Old Bothwell. This was distilled in 1983, the year that the distillery closed its doors.
The Pe's are the most sought after of the Elements of Islay releases and this one is no different. Pe5 is a combination of sweet shop and medicine cabinet with a long fresh finish. MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.
Elements of Islay Pe3 is something of a departure from its predecessors in that it is the first Pe to be bottled from an ex-bourbon cask. As a result, Pe3 is a medium-bodied, very medicinal, bandage-y malt rather than an overt full-on sherry monster like its siblings. It's also a bit older, having been distilled in the 1970s. As ever, this is MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.
A refill hoghead of Port Ellen 1983, bottled by Douglas Laing for their Old Malt Cask collection. Not too phenolic with a lovely, subtle, heathery nose that becomes quite fruity with time. The palate is more forward, with flavours of Fishermen's Friends and tarry smoked wood.
A full-strength Port Ellen 1983 bottled from a single Wine Treated Butt by Signatory. A curious description of the cask - 'wine treated' implies that no wine was actually stored in the butt, and the label gives no indication as to the type of wine used. Paxarette, fermented must or something else? Very interesting.
A rather remarkable Port Ellen 1982 from the Old Bothwell company. A fascinating, ever-changing nose, then an unexpectedly smoky, very spicy palate. Bizarre, yet somehow rather brilliant.
Bottled in early 2009 just shy of its 30th birthday, this 1979 Port Ellen has come from cask 7089, described on the label as 'oak'. That's a relief, then.